Sending contract 'templates' for IR35 review

[CheeseSlice]

I'm looking to see if others are prepared to send just contract templates for IR35 contract reviews (QDOS etc).

Its the first time this has happened to me.
The agency I'm dealing with is dragging their feet producing what I call the 'ready for ink' contract with all of my LTD co details, and accurate contract schedule. They've sent me their contract template to look at but not the final paperwork. They're saying the client wants me on site soon, so I've asked for the final paperwork for QDOS review. Then they just say 'send the template' we sent you to your IR35 review firm, saying its already IR35 compliant, and effectively brushing me off.

It also sounds like they just want me to sign on the day. The agent even said he would meet me first (weird! why?). Before anybody says I'm being paranoid, this agent has already tried to present this as a 12 month contract when it is actually 6, and has also tried (unsuccessfully ) to drop the rate by £50/day after a successful interview.

I've never sent anything other than the actual contract to QDOS for review. What I don't want is for them to send something based on a different template (to determine this would require a line-by-line comparison), and for me to waste not only £40 on another review, but the extra delay for the review.

I'm sticking to my guns on this and waiting for the paperwork, but I'm interested to see what would others do?

Thanks

[griffin]

If HMRC ever investigate you they will look at the signed contract not any contract template.

You should not start any contract without a signed copy of the actual contract, don't be fobbed off with any excuses as to why you should start first and then a contract will follow.

[TheDandy]

I'm looking to see if others are prepared to send just contract templates for IR35 contract reviews (QDOS etc).

Its the first time this has happened to me.
The agency I'm dealing with is dragging their feet producing what I call the 'ready for ink' contract with all of my LTD co details, and accurate contract schedule. They've sent me their contract template to look at but not the final paperwork. They're saying the client wants me on site soon, so I've asked for the final paperwork for QDOS review. Then they just say 'send the template' we sent you to your IR35 review firm, saying its already IR35 compliant, and effectively brushing me off.

It also sounds like they just want me to sign on the day. The agent even said he would meet me first (weird! why?). Before anybody says I'm being paranoid, this agent has already tried to present this as a 12 month contract when it is actually 6, and has also tried (unsuccessfully ) to drop the rate by £50/day after a successful interview.

I've never sent anything other than the actual contract to QDOS for review. What I don't want is for them to send something based on a different template (to determine this would require a line-by-line comparison), and for me to waste not only £40 on another review, but the extra delay for the review.

I'm sticking to my guns on this and waiting for the paperwork, but I'm interested to see what would others do?

Thanks

Well I know I'd want to review the 'actual' contract first before sending it anywhere. As you say, then only send the actual contract and schedule for review. By the sound of your experience you need to be extra cautious.

[kingcook]

Hays tried this tulip on with me. I explained that i'd need to get it reviewed. They agreed to send me the contract, with a signed schedule, but this was not the real one (go figure!)

When they would eventually send me the real one, it would be identical to the previous one

I submitted the first one for review to QDOS.

[Contreras]

I'd be more worried if they weren't prepared to release a template ahead of an offer.

Assuming the final contract is based on the same template (I'd be pretty peed off if it wasn't!) then the only problem is potential for a wasted a review if no offer is forthcoming.

Since these things usually take the form of contract + schedule, you can get the template contract reviewed ahead of the completed schedule. If the contract does need changing then imho you'd be best to wait for an assured offer before asking for edits. It does speed the process up though and forewarned is forearmed when it comes to negotiation

I've done this recently and it worked in my favour when the agent tried to pull one at the final hour saying they could only pay monthly. The template had 7 day terms, so it wasn't difficult to argue for.

[tractor]

...

Agents are arses. The last 'template' I was sent had the previous contractor's details still in it

[smatty]

I've had templates reviewed, might as well find out if there are any issues when you have enough time to solve them.

Wouldn't care about an extra £40, will earn that back in the first five minutes anyway

[CheeseSlice]

I've had templates reviewed, might as well find out if there are any issues when you have enough time to solve them.

Wouldn't care about an extra £40, will earn that back in the first five minutes anyway

£40 in 5 minutes?

I bow down to your contracting prowess in commanding rates of £480 per hour