Newbie to the UK and Contracting

cheezdog · 20th July 2008, 07:32

Hi all!

I'm arriving in the UK early September for 1-5 years (well that's the length of my visa) to experience work in a new country! My main experience is in developing and maintaining IVRs, and building the webservices they connect to, so about 4.5 years experience in IVR and .NET technologies.

I've got friends who have move over and got permanent positions, but a lot of people have recommended contracting because of my plans to travel and eagerness to move around. Is this a good idea?

I can't actually get my NI number or bank account until I arrive in the UK, and I just found this site, so I've been reading up regarding IR35 and the different trading structures.

If I do contract, would it be best for me to join an umbrella company, and if so, do you know if I can do so before I enter the country? Also, as a software developer, will I find that most contracts fall within IR35?

Thanks!

NotAllThere · 20th July 2008, 18:09

Go ltd from the outset. An accountant can set up an off-the-shelf company for you in a few hours. But don't set up until you've got a contract. IR35 is to do with contract and actual working practices. Some view it as a largely a voluntary tax - with a bit of work, you can avoid it quite easily.

SomeoneElse · 22nd July 2008, 17:53

Another Aussie here. Go to one of the accountants and go ltd (I'm with SJD and have found them to be adequate).

Also, consider making a booking now for your national insurance number application interview - when I came over, it was over a month until a spot was free.

Feel free to PM.

max · 22nd July 2008, 21:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheezdog

I've got friends who have move over and got permanent positions, but a lot of people have recommended contracting because of my plans to travel and eagerness to move around. Is this a good idea?

I can't actually get my NI number or bank account until I arrive in the UK, and I just found this site, so I've been reading up regarding IR35 and the different trading structures.

If I do contract, would it be best for me to join an umbrella company, and if so, do you know if I can do so before I enter the country? Also, as a software developer, will I find that most contracts fall within IR35?

Thanks!

Are you aware of what's going on here in the contracting market? Lucky you've got 5 years! How many months can you survive with no money coming in? How much money are you bringing with you?

cheezdog · 23rd July 2008, 07:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by max

Are you aware of what's going on here in the contracting market? Lucky you've got 5 years! How many months can you survive with no money coming in? How much money are you bringing with you?

I've been looking around at some agencies sites, and I'm in contact with some friends over there who are working in London, and waiting for them to send me the agencies they've gone through.

I've been preparing my CV for the UK, as Australian CVs tend to be formatted quite different and are significantly longer. I have 5 years, but unfortunately only at the one government organisation (inland revenue). I would have liked to have a bit more commercial experience before coming over, but it didn't happen.

I've already paid for my visa and return ticket, and I have a bit of cash saved up, which I was going to use for travel or to keep me afloat until I get a contract! How long I can survive depends on how quickly I spend it! What's the average person spend per week living in London?

NickNick · 28th July 2008, 10:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheezdog

What's the average person spend per week living in London?

How long is a piece of string? Rent in Zone 2 for a shared house would be £300 a month inc bills, travel to city for work a similar amount, so without going out at all and eating on the cheap side, maybe £50 a day?

jazza · 28th July 2008, 10:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickNick

How long is a piece of string? Rent in Zone 2 for a shared house would be £300 a month inc bills, travel to city for work a similar amount, so without going out at all and eating on the cheap side, maybe £50 a day?

I've never managed to rent in London for 300/month, I would suggest it's probably going to cost considerably more. Particularly if you want to feel safe coming home at night.

cheezdog · 28th July 2008, 14:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazza

I've never managed to rent in London for 300/month, I would suggest it's probably going to cost considerably more. Particularly if you want to feel safe coming home at night.

Well I'll probably be moving in with a friend, hopefully somewhere in Zone 2! Depends what her plans are and where she's working!

Anyway, I probably can last a little while if I can't find a contract!! I'm wanting to get my CV out there. Should I be getting my CV out to as many agencies as possible? Are there any particular agencies that people can suggest?

tay · 28th July 2008, 14:05

Do not... I repeat DO NOT spend a single penny on travelling around or having expensive fun until you have secured a contract. The market is quite tough at the moment, and your South Pacific Peso's will not go far unless you are very very careful.
Arrive... knuckle down and search jobserve and other job sites... accept a low paying contract, dont listen to what your mates reckon you should get, anything above £25 an hour for a .net person with no London experience is good. You will double that easily in time, but you really need to get some experince under your belt and some solid currency rainy day funds in your account.
You travel around for a few weeks get pissed in Acton plenty of nights and end up with £100 in the bank when you start looking for a contract.... you are stuffed... either end up stocking shelves or heading back to Brizzy with your tale between your legs.
You will either need to be mature and act like a business immediately when it comes to your work time over here, or go home.

P.S All you aussies are scumbags and should go back from whence you came

HTH

cheezdog · 28th July 2008, 14:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by tay

Do not... I repeat DO NOT spend a single penny on travelling around or having expensive fun until you have secured a contract. The market is quite tough at the moment, and your South Pacific Peso's will not go far unless you are very very careful.
Arrive... knuckle down and search jobserve and other job sites... accept a low paying contract, dont listen to what your mates reckon you should get, anything above £25 an hour for a .net person with no London experience is good. You will double that easily in time, but you really need to get some experince under your belt and some solid currency rainy day funds in your account.
You travel around for a few weeks get pissed in Acton plenty of nights and end up with £100 in the bank when you start looking for a contract.... you are stuffed... either end up stocking shelves or heading back to Brizzy with your tale between your legs.
You will either need to be mature and act like a business immediately when it comes to your work time over here, or go home.

P.S All you aussies are scumbags and should go back from whence you came

HTH

I don't mind the nightlife, but I can't drink for another few months due to medical reasons, so I won't be out pissing it up (as much as I would like to)!

I wasn't planning on doing any holidaying until I get settled, find a place and get some funds up. I have family coming over at christmas, so I'm going to meet them in Rome for a weekend, but that's the only travel I've got planned!

To be honest, I'll take whatever rate I can get.. especially since it will be my first time contracting! I'll work the rate up in time and experience!!

Thanks for your advice. 100% NZ huh? Bahaha! =)