3 Week Christmas / NY Contractor Freeze

[Scrooge2017]

Hi All,

Been a contractor about 10 years, thought I'd seen most things...
However, informed by current client last week that they are planning to impose a 3 week contractor freeze (aka enforced 'holiday') over Christmas / NY.
Has anyone else any experience of this? Have I just been lucky missing this previously? Has anyone successfully pushed back on such an imposition?

Thanks in advance

[cojak]

Hi All,

Been a contractor about 10 years, thought I'd seen most things...
However, informed by current client last week that they are planning to impose a 3 week contractor freeze (aka enforced 'holiday') over Christmas / NY.
Has anyone else any experience of this? Have I just been lucky missing this previously? Has anyone successfully pushed back on such an imposition? Have already advised client this will cause financial difficulties due to commitments (currently buying a property, due to complete before Christmas.)

Thanks in advance

Completely normal these days. I haven't been able to work through Christmas at a client for the last 3 years.

[Scrooge2017]

Wow! I'm shocked. May have a little look at what else is available on the market. Not too pleased as no mention of it to me prior to last week and nothing in contract about it?

[Major Hassle]

Wow! I'm shocked. May have a little look at what else is available on the market. Not too pleased as no mention of it to me prior to last week and nothing in contract about it?

There's a whole thread on this here

http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...ced-leave.html

[northernladuk]

Wow! I'm shocked. May have a little look at what else is available on the market. Not too pleased as no mention of it to me prior to last week and nothing in contract about it?

You'd sack a perfectly good gig just because they are offering you some quality time to enjoy with your family? Surely it's only two weeks as you'll be off over Xmas anyway? Add to that you've been made aware it's pretty common.

[JoJoGabor]

Yes both current client and the one I start next week are enforcing it. I can't wait. Nearly 3 weeks off. When I started contracting I told myself I'd take off 3 months every year to enjoy life. That has happened only once. I need people to force it on me

[Scrooge2017]

Ah thanks Major Hassle.

And no, this is not a perfectly good gig. This is the latest in a series of 'irritations.' Its hardly an 'offer' if it's enforced.

[Scrooge2017]

Yes both current client and the one I start next week are enforcing it. I can't wait. Nearly 3 weeks off. When I started contracting I told myself I'd take off 3 months every year to enjoy life. That has happened only once. I need people to force it on me

I had 3 months off beginning of this year - highly recommended

[MrMarkyMark]

I've personally never had one enforced, I was always made an exception.
Some years I would have rather I hadn't worked, it was as boring as hell.

Rate cuts, I have never had one of those either and I have worked in FS for a long time, not everyone gets treated the same.

[jmo21]

I was at current client co 2 years ago over xmas, and they had a 2 week contracts break then.

REALLY hope they do the same (or even 3 weeks) again this time! They haven't mentioned it yet. Permies have all got their time off submitted and due to be approved this week, so guess us 'tractors will hear soon.