1st contract - not an official renewal but asked to stay on ad hoc basis

[ckms]

Hi. I'm in my 1st contract & have been here for 3 months doing freelance marketing consultancy. I'm very happy here but when I asked about extension past agreed date my client said just continue what you're doing, keep your head down and don't raise attention. The last contractor stayed 2 years but as in my case she didn't gave an end date. I gave her a copy of my contract at the outset but she hasn't signed a copy. I don't mind this laid back approach & i do understand she could be forced to let me go if the budget runs out. Just wondered if this is the norm or if I should look for something with a bit more structure? Thanks

[Manz]

Sounds to me like they want you on a rolling contract. Similar to that I contracted with a client for just over 2 years and when the contract came to an end, on the last day they mentioned that they may want me to potentially come back on an ad-hoc basis, but I just told them that it wouldn't be worth the hassle.

[TheFaQQer]

If you have no end-date, then how do you differentiate yourself from being an employee? I'd be concerned from a MoO and a D&C point of view, if I didn't have anything which specifically detailed what I was being engaged to do.

That said, I'd be more worried by not having a signed contract (although the acceptance of the contract can't be in doubt given subsequent actions by both parties).

[ckms]

What is MoO and D&C?

[TheCyclingProgrammer]

What is MoO and D&C?

[jamesbrown]

Where to start. First, even though you have an implied contract by being onsite and working, this relaxed attitude will be your undoing if the relationship goes south. Second, the scenario you're describing is not one of an independent contractor, but of a temporary employee, which implies that your current arrangement is also that. Are you working via an umbrella or with a Ltd. company? If the latter, how are you paying yourself and what does your accountant think about this arrangement?

[SussexSeagull]

Not exactly the same but with a former client they kept on offering increasingly short extensions that went from months to weeks to days then started asking if I was available for a few days in a months time.

At the time the market wasn't great so I played along for a while but wouldn't entertain the idea now, especially if it wasn't properly contracted.

[ckms]

Hi. I am a limited company. I agreed everything on email up front so all details are in writing. I then submitted a contract that was checked by Qdos. There are no working hours or employee related details stipulated. The issue is that my client hasn't returned a signed copy of the contract that has a provisional end date of mid October. When I asked about renewing she said if it was official it would raise attention to her bosses. If she doesn't mention it then I can just stay on for the time being which I don't mind. I am the only contractor in the company and my fee is paid out of a marketing budget not through HR. I do understand that it could end quickly but the last contractor stayed 2 years. Just wondered what other more experienced contractors made of this arrangement?

[ckms]

In terms of payment I invoice monthly in advance with 28 days to pay into my business bank account. I'm with an accountancy firm called Boox and they advise me on paying s scary, expenses and dividends

[ckms]

That should say salary not scary!!! Predictive text!