ended before i even started!

[Mordac]

Hi All

Slightly annoyed as I was due to start a new 12 month contract with a company on monday 4th July.
I had everything confirmed the friday before at 2pm
1 hour later i get a phone call at 3pm telling me that the client has terminated the contract as they can not afford some of us
Looking at my contract it does say that the contract can be terminated Immediately.
This was very last minute and have never experienced it this late
I even opened my first limited company up and everything is ready.
Can i legally do or claim anything? I left a perm role for this and was really annoyed when i had the call

Thanks

As others have said, take it on the chin and move on. Look on the bright side, now you are available immediately. Remember the names of those involved for future reference (client and agency side).
To put things in perspective, I have heard of an instance where a project was cancelled shortly before the start date, but the agency didn't tell the contractor (for no doubt highly nefarious reasons) and on the strength of a signed contract he took a 6 month lease on a flat. In Zurich. This game is definitely not for the faint hearted.

[Hobosapien]

...on the strength of a signed contract he took a 6 month lease on a flat. In Zurich. This game is definitely not for the faint hearted.

Or the stupid. At the start of a contract use a hotel booking site with free/low penalty cancellation available until the day of check-in. Take nothing for granted.

Only when you've been on site at the client for a week or two can you properly assess the situation and the likelihood of the initial contract period being honoured or even extended afterwards.

I've often gone into a rented 6 month tenancy instead of pay the local hotel/b&b prices (there are other benefits over the money differential, available via a CUK search no doubt ), but only when I'm as sure as I can be that I'll be needed on site for approaching that 6 months. Not easy when the initial contract may be for 3 months, but as I say it's possible to gauge a client's medium term intentions once on site.

[Mordac]

Or the stupid.

That as well...

[BrilloPad]

but as I say it's possible to gauge a client's medium term intentions once on site.

Works well in small/medium companies.

In bigger companies the HR/finance morons can easily get involved. Those around you can love you. Sudden budget cuts can mess everything up.

[Fred Bloggs]

Works well in small/medium companies.

In bigger companies the HR/finance morons can easily get involved. Those around you can love you. Sudden budget cuts can mess everything up.

Too true. I am presently caught up in a debate between project management who want me to join the project yesterday if not sooner and HR who want me to do two to three weeks of corporate bull before I join the project. In the meantime, I'm waiting for a mobilisation date.

[MrMarkyMark]

Well, the people that have "definitely" wanted me direct twice, in the last few weeks, now don't.
All part of contractings rich tapestry

[psychocandy]

I believe the record to beat is sat in reception on the 1st day, which happened to someone a few months ago.

Hope you have a funds to fall back on to and you haven't committed to any accommodation, etc.

That is bad. If it was me I'd at least be saying sorry Im here you are paying me for the day now.

[psychocandy]

Or the stupid. At the start of a contract use a hotel booking site with free/low penalty cancellation available until the day of check-in. Take nothing for granted.

Only when you've been on site at the client for a week or two can you properly assess the situation and the likelihood of the initial contract period being honoured or even extended afterwards.

I've often gone into a rented 6 month tenancy instead of pay the local hotel/b&b prices (there are other benefits over the money differential, available via a CUK search no doubt ), but only when I'm as sure as I can be that I'll be needed on site for approaching that 6 months. Not easy when the initial contract may be for 3 months, but as I say it's possible to gauge a client's medium term intentions once on site.

I'd never commit to 6 months like this even on a gig I'd been there for a year on. Too much can go wrong.

Hell I even didnt buy month long season tickets until recently just in case. Until I found out it was only £10 admin fee if you cancelled and got a part refund.

[bathingape]

unlucky. chin up and move on. Just a note for next time - your contract is only as long as your notice period

[psychocandy]

OP - are you member of IPSE Plus? Happened to me once on a friday before and IPSE coughed up notice period. Better than nothing.

Not cool if you quit your perm job for it. I would be not happy at all.
Bit piss poor that client has now decided they can't afford it. Thats just not on.

The person is question should feel guilty for screwing around with someones life like this.