New job, but no contract to sign - how dodgy is that?

**Epiphone** · 14 February 2008, 13:46

Get a purchase order from the client.

**Cheshire Cat** · 14 February 2008, 13:56

are you for real?

**oracleslave** · 14 February 2008, 13:57

Originally posted by Cheshire Cat View Post

are you for real?

Nope, you are in the matrix. He is a figment of your imagination.

But seriously to the OP are you for real?

**diabhal** · 14 February 2008, 14:04

Originally posted by oracleslave View Post

But seriously to the OP are you for real?

Yep. I've only been at this job a week and was expecting them to give me a contract, but when I asked today they said they didn't do them with freelancers.

I've asked another contractor who's been working here a year (and getting paid) and they don't have a contract either.

I don't think I'm in danger of not being paid. But what other dangers am I setting myself up for?

This job is only expected to last about 8 weeks btw.

**PAH** · 14 February 2008, 14:09

"work on trust"

In more serious news, it's been reported that turning up for work without a contract is viewed as accepting said contract (and all its unfavourable terms) when it does materialise.

Moral of the story: Never start a contract without a contract.

**ratewhore** · 14 February 2008, 14:28

Originally posted by PAH View Post

In more serious news, it's been reported that turning up for work without a contract is viewed as accepting said contract (and all its unfavourable terms) when it does materialise.

Moral of the story: Never start a contract without a contract.

I'm not sure that is the scenario here as it seems the agency is out of the equation. A PO seems the best way forward, if not, some basic t's and c's...

**TheFaQQer** · 14 February 2008, 14:55

Originally posted by diabhal View Post

I've just started a new job and haven't been presented with a contract to sign. The agency who found me the role say that I should seek a contract between myself and the company I'm working for. Yet the company I'm working for say that it is not their practice to give freelancers contracts and that they work on "trust"

With regards to how I'm going to be paid - as I'm a Ltd I will invoice the company I'm working for (not the agency). Now I realise that without a contract they could potentially not pay me but I think that would be extremely unlikely. Although I usually work outside IR35 and I'm concerned how being contract-less might affect my status.

What might be the other consequences of not having a contract? Should I insist on something?

If they won't give you something, then you need to give them something to detail what you are doing and for how much.

**Crossroads** · 14 February 2008, 19:00

Ask them for a purchase order.

Respond to PO with your standard T&C's for such engagements, complete with a quote for the work, advising (in writing) that you will start on xyz date and that you starting (i.e. being allowed to) is their acceptance of your T's & C's.

**cojak** · 15 February 2008, 12:35

...and print your T&C's on the back of your invoice...

New job, but no contract to sign - how dodgy is that?