Charging for IR35 contract reviews

[quackhandle]

How many of you managed to change contract T&Cs after reviews?
In the last 4 years or so I found most of the contract from top agencies for top banking clients have the expected criteria of a B2B contracts and had no issues with them, however other agencies like Hays issues horrid contracts, they don't even want you to invoice them, just pay weekly as if you are a temp, at the time I rejected their contract but only because they pissed me off and I got something else. Not sure if many managed to change the T&Cs its usually take it or leave it.

Hays contracts are notoriously bad for IR35. More here.

If you kickup a fuss you can get some contract wording changed.

qh

[SandyD]

Hays contracts are notoriously bad for IR35. More here.

If you kickup a fuss you can get some contract wording changed.

qh

Thanks

[jamesbrown]

WSES.

I look to my accountant to guide me through my accounts and tax liabilities.

I look to contract specialists to guide me though legal contractual due diligence.

This is perfectly fine and sensible (and I do it myself), but a couple of points: 1) it doesn't hurt to have two opinions, one of those being QDOS or similar. You'll find that professional opinions do vary on specific clauses and their significance, even if the fundamental aspects are agreed, and it's educational to see these disagreements; and 2) there are many contractors, perhaps most, that aren't as diligent as the average poster in this subforum. For them, it may be the difference between a free review or no review. So, I can understand why accountants offer this service for free or a small fee.

[TheFaQQer]

How many of you managed to change contract T&Cs after reviews?

Almost every time I've needed it changed, they have done. The only one which springs to mind which refused was I wanted (on Qdos initial advice) reciprocal notice period, but IBM refused to allow the agency to change it.

I've had big arguments with agencies about some clauses (down to saying "are you going to ring the client and tell them I won't be in on Monday, or shall I?") but most will eventually give in.

[philip@wellwoodhoyle]

We'll do an informal review of the contract and working relationship and discuss with the client, but we still recommend that they get it reviewed properly by the experts and suggest QDOS who do it for under £100 which is a bargain for a specialist review.

[contractorsaccountant0704]

Our experiences

How many of you managed to change contract T&Cs after reviews?
In the last 4 years or so I found most of the contract from top agencies for top banking clients have the expected criteria of a B2B contracts and had no issues with them, however other agencies like Hays issues horrid contracts, they don't even want you to invoice them, just pay weekly as if you are a temp, at the time I rejected their contract but only because they pissed me off and I got something else. Not sure if many managed to change the T&Cs its usually take it or leave it.

As accountants who are affiliated to the professional contractors group, we received initial training and then annual retraining on IR35 issues. Others have correctly suggested that lawyers do "law" and accountants do "accounts". I agree to that but having had the correct training, I see no reason why I should not advise contractor clients to review their contracts both before and during the life of their contract. Advice is what I do, and I am mindful of the risks and would certainly take great care not to overstep the boundaries of my knowledge and expertise.

I have reviewed Hays contracts - they are awful! I have also helped another client in the recruitment industry to change a fairly useless contract for a large recruitment company - both to her own and , ultimately their , advantage. Its not prefect , but guess what - I didn't charge her any extra for my time .

[cojak]

We aren't saying don't review contracts.

I just wouldn't use you, is all I'm saying.