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Client demanding evidence of activity during downtime

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    Client demanding evidence of activity during downtime

    Good morning all,

    I've been verbally offered a role (non SC) with an MOD client and they are asking for references for every contract going back 5 years. During this time I had 6 months out to undertake some house renovations and they are demanding to see receipts covering that whole period to show that I was doing what I said I was doing.

    While I have a couple of invoices from contractors as evidence of somebody else undertaking works in the first month I literally have nothing covering the purchases of materials for the work I did myself. It was all sand, stone and cement mostly cash in hand from the local quarry (VAT free) so I don't even have bank statements as evidence.

    If I'd just told the agent I'd been out of work for those 6 months I guess I wouldn't be in this situation but then again maybe I wouldn't have had an offer of interview in the first place. It's a highly unusual situation and I'm wondering if this is something that is becoming commonplace or if it's a one off. Hopefully they'll see reason when I speak with the agent again on Monday.

    #2
    What exactly are they trying to cover off here? We know agents try the references trick so they can go try and sell their services your ex clients but this sounds more like an enhanced check. I remember going through a financial check when I started at a bank and they needed to see my bank statements from a gap between gigs to make sure I wasn't detained at her majestys pleasure or doing deals in ex eastern block countries.

    I'd ask him exactly what this check is for. Is it some enhanced checking on behalf of the client and if so will a bank statement from that period do just to show you were in the country just carrying on like a normal person.
    'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

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      #3
      They are worried you were in prison.

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by Farm Shop Headcase View Post
        Good morning all,

        I've been verbally offered a role (non SC) with an MOD client and they are asking for references for every contract going back 5 years. During this time I had 6 months out to undertake some house renovations and they are demanding to see receipts covering that whole period to show that I was doing what I said I was doing.

        While I have a couple of invoices from contractors as evidence of somebody else undertaking works in the first month I literally have nothing covering the purchases of materials for the work I did myself. It was all sand, stone and cement mostly cash in hand from the local quarry (VAT free) so I don't even have bank statements as evidence.
        Tax dodger!

        Do you have before, during and immediately after photos that you have to show family and friends? If you have them are the photos digital as they will have a date/time stamp on it. You really want the during and immediately after ones.

        Do you have a good friend, acquaintance or neighbour who is a teacher, doctor, lawyer, member of the judiciary, chartered accountant or minister of religion who can vouch for you during this time period?

        Both of these will cover what the agent wants.

        Originally posted by Farm Shop Headcase View Post
        If I'd just told the agent I'd been out of work for those 6 months I guess I wouldn't be in this situation but then again maybe I wouldn't have had an offer of interview in the first place. It's a highly unusual situation and I'm wondering if this is something that is becoming commonplace or if it's a one off. Hopefully they'll see reason when I speak with the agent again on Monday.
        No you would still have to prove you were out of work.
        "You’re just a bad memory who doesn’t know when to go away" JR

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by Farm Shop Headcase View Post
          Good morning all,

          I've been verbally offered a role (non SC) with an MOD client and they are asking for references for every contract going back 5 years. During this time I had 6 months out to undertake some house renovations and they are demanding to see receipts covering that whole period to show that I was doing what I said I was doing.

          While I have a couple of invoices from contractors as evidence of somebody else undertaking works in the first month I literally have nothing covering the purchases of materials for the work I did myself. It was all sand, stone and cement mostly cash in hand from the local quarry (VAT free) so I don't even have bank statements as evidence.

          If I'd just told the agent I'd been out of work for those 6 months I guess I wouldn't be in this situation but then again maybe I wouldn't have had an offer of interview in the first place. It's a highly unusual situation and I'm wondering if this is something that is becoming commonplace or if it's a one off. Hopefully they'll see reason when I speak with the agent again on Monday.
          Did you not buy anything from B&Q / Wickes etc in that time that would show up on your bank statements? Paint, tools etc? I had this before my current role as I had taken a few months off to renovate a property. I was told it was to show general living activity (and not a stay at Her Majesties pleasure) but also so they could see that there was no other payments for work going into my account. Although I'm not sure how this proves anything as if I was contracting the money would have gone into my business account anyway. I wouldn't worry about it, if you have nothing to hide (except your cash purchases ) it shouldn't throw any red flags for the contract.

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by BrilloPad View Post
            They are worried you were in prison.
            Here in Scotland that would show up in a Disclosure Scotland check, I'm assuming the OP is in England, is there not a similar check?

            Comment


              #7
              Any downtime in between contracts you can state as 'business development' - I have been asked to provide this evidence before and have done so by providing evidence of next roles I have been applying for.
              ______________________
              Don't get mad...get even...

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by gables View Post
                Here in Scotland that would show up in a Disclosure Scotland check, I'm assuming the OP is in England, is there not a similar check?
                We use Disclosure Scotland to do a check in England as well.
                "You’re just a bad memory who doesn’t know when to go away" JR

                Comment


                  #9
                  Its not unusual at all quite common now. Some want everything others want nothing agencies tell you its industry standard practice which is pure industry std BS most of the time. All clients are different though a lot is to do with how much or how little development time the compliance team have had as I have gone onsite next day many times in Investment Banking & other times had to wait up to 6 weeks & provide a life story & every single bank statement going back 5 years! MOD though I think its usually DV depends on the role though. SC is minimum required I think for them.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by uk contractor View Post
                    Its not unusual at all quite common now. Some want everything others want nothing agencies tell you its industry standard practice which is pure industry std BS most of the time. All clients are different though a lot is to do with how much or how little development time the compliance team have had as I have gone onsite next day many times in Investment Banking & other times had to wait up to 6 weeks & provide a life story & every single bank statement going back 5 years! MOD though I think its usually DV depends on the role though. SC is minimum required I think for them.
                    And breathe !
                    ______________________
                    Don't get mad...get even...

                    Comment

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