A Sad “IR35” Day

[BABABlackSheep]

So, I had my “IR35 discussion” with my current client last Friday.

Client: Ok, so as per the communication from your agency
Me: You mean from you the client?
Client: Yes well, I’ve not read the email, but I’ve been told you have a few options.
1. Client: Go permie, we have a role coming onto the board. We have lots of internal people who have applied though..its grade xx but you should apply *wink*.
Me: Is there any scope for salary negotiation?
Client: No, it’s within the band
Me: No thank you.
2. Client: You can work via your agency
Me: You mean umbrella?
Client: ermm, yes I think so
Me: But they stated no rate increase
Client: well that’s up to them how much they take
Me: No thank you
3. Client: ermm perhaps we can extend you to Feb
Me: I’ll consider

Client: In the meanwhile, we realise that you have domain knowledge that no one else has, so from now on, we want you to supervise/train the permies instead of actually performing the role for the next 2 months.
Me: I’m a service provider. My contract is to perform a specified service and not to train your staff because you have messed up and given contractors more knowledge than your permies
Client: Well, if the Programme Manager hears that, he will escort you off site
Me: and......

I realised just how bad it is. It’s actually embarrassing how clients underestimate the importance of the contract workforce. They are happy to blanket evaluate all contractors, but then try and insist you need to train their staff before you leave.

There’s a world of pain coming.

[CFC]

So, I had my “IR35 discussion” with my current client last Friday.

Client: Ok, so as per the communication from your agency
Me: You mean from you the client?
Client: Yes well, I’ve not read the email, but I’ve been told you have a few options.
1. Client: Go permie, we have a role coming onto the board. We have lots of internal people who have applied though..its grade xx but you should apply *wink*.
Me: Is there any scope for salary negotiation?
Client: No, it’s within the band
Me: No thank you.
2. Client: You can work via your agency
Me: You mean umbrella?
Client: ermm, yes I think so
Me: But they stated no rate increase
Client: well that’s up to them how much they take
Me: No thank you
3. Client: ermm perhaps we can extend you to Feb
Me: I’ll consider

Client: In the meanwhile, we realise that you have domain knowledge that no one else has, so from now on, we want you to supervise/train the permies instead of actually performing the role for the next 2 months.
Me: I’m a service provider. My contract is to perform a specified service and not to train your staff because you have messed up and given contractors more knowledge than your permies
Client: Well, if the Programme Manager hears that, they will escort you off site
Me: and......

I realised just how bad it is. It’s actually embarrassing how clients underestimate the importance of the contract workforce. They are happy to blanket evaluate all contractors, but then try and insist you need to train their staff before you leave.

There’s a world of pain coming.

What are you gonna do ? I wouldn't take the extension based on that, although I don't have contracting experience, so could be wrong.

[BABABlackSheep]

What are you gonna do ? I wouldn't take the extension based on that, although I don't have contracting experience, so could be wrong.

[northernladuk]

So when do you get the official determination you are inside because whatever you are going to do should be before that.

[BABABlackSheep]

So when do you get the official determination you are inside because whatever you are going to do should be before that.

By end of Feb, everyone staying will either need to be either Permie or Umbrella.

My contract is up at the end of Nov.

I only have 3 choices that I’m considering

1. Leave at the end of Contract
2. Leave as soon as I can
3. Extend till end of Feb

Thoughts?

[TheInvoicer]

I would extend to the end of Feb, reasons are you get the income and also you keep the client happy. After you leave who knows how the perms will perform stepping up. You may get invited back further down the line. Either way you kept your options open and get the extra money.


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[cojak]

I would extend to the end of Feb, reasons are you get the income and also you keep the client happy. After you leave who knows how the perms will perform stepping up. You may get invited back further down the line. Either way you kept your options open and get the extra money.


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Unless he gets walked off the site for refusing to train the permies, that is...

[TheInvoicer]

Unless he gets walked off the site for refusing to train the permies, that is...

True but that seems quite extreme outcome however I doubt the perms are going to be enthusiastic about the handover so might be an element of your going to be the scape goat for management and staff - “it was the handover”. Would need handled carefully.


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[fidot]

I would take it as an opportunity.
Pitch for a new contract to train the permies at a premium rate.
Client gets what he wants, you get an increased rate and relative certainty on the existing contract because it will have ended.

[BlueSharp]

I would take it as an opportunity.
Pitch for a new contract to train the permies at a premium rate.
Client gets what he wants, you get an increased rate and relative certainty on the existing contract because it will have ended.

This person contracts.