Originally posted by SueEllen
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There are lots of risks associated with being a contractor on top of the risks that Sue Ellen identifies. Who pays us when we are sick (and what if you got really sick)? Who pays us to take holidays? Are we in any way protected by the clients for whom we provide our services (in the way that a permanent employee has to be)? We have no "career path" - any training we need to keep our skills current has be met from company profits - a permanent employee has a right to training. If we don't keep current, we don't get assignments.
Nobody but us ensures that we are complying with all of the different (and constantly shifting) legislation related to our fields of endeavour. If we fall foul of any, especially in the arena of taxation, we are liable. If we were employees, the employer would be liable.
I've been dumped out of contracts for trumped up reasons, often because the client has a "friend" that has suddenly become available and can do the role - I have no right of protection and no right of appeal, unless I am prepared to fund expensive and protracted legal action. This would not be the case if I were an employee - I'd be straight to the unfair dismissal tribunal (not at my expense)and get myself a nice fat payout.
The list of risks that we take as contractors is huge, and if you don't see that then I question whether you have really considered the potential consequences of what you do.
Contractor, despite the risks, until I die!!
Pastalista
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