Hays PSL (Preferred Suppliers List)

[rebekkaloos]

You're right ASB - I think a contractor would have difficulty proving that it amounts to restraint of trade. Since contractors are not usually bound to their umbrella company for any fixed period of time (I may be wrong there?), Hays can argue that all the contractor needs to do is change umbrella, which can be done instantly and for free.

So to come back to my original comment, I wouldn't be impressed yes, but I wouldn't be able to do much about it! (save voting with my feet as someone said and tru and find another contract somewhere else)

[tim123]

a PSL of brollies will contain:

"all those that pay us a referral"
end of list

tim

[Mordac]

It has come to our attention that contractors working with Hays are being told they no longer have a free choice of which umbrella company they are able to use, instead they are being told that they must select a provider on their PSL.

Does that "requirement" extend to Ltd company contractors? It sounds like Hays are pulling a fast one, and relying on the ignorance of contractors to get away with it.
Personally I'd tell them to go feck themselves. I caught Hays spamming me for leads again this morning (second time in a week >: ) so I have slightly less than no time for them.

[t0bytoo]

Hays 'recommended' 360 group to me. I signed up. They were disgustingly cr*p.

[John Galt]

Are they the only ones on the PSL then toby

[rooney]

Re:Hays PSL (Preferred Suppliers List)

The vast majority of recruitment agencies have a PSL of umbrella companies. These are the ones they "prefer" to do business with. Historically the agencies will push new contractors to the umbrellas on this list if asked by the contractor. Hays look like they are one of the first to try and "force" contractors to use one on their PSL. Kick backs are probably not involved here as PSL's are normally done at senior management level where there is less reliance on the odd bit of "cashback". Probably the main reasons for getting on the PSL are recognition of good service, adequate insurance provision, track record that they will pay the contractor, automation (to reduce agency costs!) etc... It also potentially stops cowboy operators. It will be interesting to see if Hays are successful.

The main reason the agencies i

[weemster]

Umbrella Co's

When I started contracting (only about a year now) using an umbrella company didn't really appeal so I went the limited co. route - if I had decided on the umbrella route then a PSL wouldn't P me off too much (easy to say I suppose) as it might improve the quality of such
companies (not saying they need to) but to HAVE to use an umbrella company I think would.

[Cojak]

Re: Umbrella Co's

I'm working for Hays at the moment, as a LTD company.

I haven't heard anything about this and no-one has pushed me around for being Ltd...

[NoziParker]

Re: Umbrella Co's

This is a dangerous trend. What happens if your umbrella needs to challenge the agency for non-payment? If they are already in the pockets of the agency then they are unlikely to do this. That means that agencies have the potential to screw contractors because the umbrella is what the agency has signed a contract with.

Need I remind you that contractors need to join forces and refuse these ridiculous impositions on our lives. We are getting so many mixed messages coming from recruiters and trade bodies. First we're being encouraged to see ourselves as small businesses by the PGC then we're having our businesses dictated to us by agencies.

This has got to stop. Otherwises it's only a matter of time before we're forced to sign contracts at the pre-hire stage when submitting CVs disallowing us from applying for other jobs until a role they've put us forward for has been filled.

[Cojak]

Re: Umbrella Co's

..easy done - don't use the bluddy things, they're for disguised employees!

jeez....:rolleyes