UK freelancers: you are probably owed money right now and do not know it

There is a law most UK freelancers have never heard of that lets you charge interest on late invoices automatically. It is called the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998. Under it, you can charge: 8% + Bank of England base rate interest per year (currently ~12.5%) Fixed compensation: £40 for debts under £1,000, £70 for £1,000–£9,999, £100 for £10,000+ No court. No solicitor. Just reference it in a follow-up email. Why most freelancers never use this Because they do not know it exists. And because it feels confrontational. Here is the thing: you do not have to actually charge the interest. Just mentioning that you are entitled to under the Act is usually enough to get paid. Clients know what it means. It signals you know your rights. How to use it in practice Step 1. Calculate what you are owed. Use this free calculator — it does the maths automatically: Late Payment Interest Calculator Step 2. Send a formal follow-up that includes the following line: "Please note that under the L