I was scheduled to do a couple of days work cleaning a garden for a rich neighbour

[DrewDar]

Was told it would be so and so date. All diarised in, a fortnight in advance. Agreed price and everything.

Then offered other work by a friend which coincided, so I turned down.

Booked my trains back to do the work, then this person texted me two days before to say "we decided we want to ask a professional so we won't be needing you" by which point my buddy has got someone else in.

I am out of pocket, through travel and missed work opportunity, about £400.

Do I have a claim here?

*rich neighbor of a relative of mine

[atticus]

A couple of thoughts.

Have you tried to cancel the tickets and get a refund?

Have you asked these people for any kind of payment?

You may have grounds to bring a claim. Do you have anything in writing to confirm the arrangements? Email, tex messages, WhatsApp etc are all good evidence.

[DrewDar]

A couple of thoughts.

Have you tried to cancel the tickets and get a refund?

Have you asked these people for any kind of payment?

You may have grounds to bring a claim. Do you have anything in writing to confirm the arrangements? Email, tex messages, WhatsApp etc are all good evidence.

Tickets not refundable.
Number blocked after two texts asking for compo.
Have whole thing documented.

[atticus]

Then you have little to lose bringing a county court claim, other than court fees and your time. Write a claim letter.

[DrewDar]

Is it breach of contract?

[atticus]

Yes.