I have a dream contract with a well known private sector client. Great role, good rate. I have a signed contract but the start date is in a week's time. Despite this, I've been asked to come in for a day this week, ahead of my start date. It is for a planning meeting and will be paid at my contract rate. I have no issues about coming in - I cannot wait to get started. It is more of a legal concern - should I be on the client site when my contract doesn't start until next week and why would they do this - rather than wait a few days until my start date?
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Why would there be a legal implication? Especially if it's only for meetings and orientation and you are promised to be paid for it. Do you see legal implication in attending the customer site for an interview meeting before you have a contract in place?
As to why they are doing it, you should ask them. Probably they are in dire need and want to get you on board ASAP - you should be happy about that.Last edited by sal; 30 September 2014, 12:18. -
There are probably a couple of ways to take this. My only concerns would be about a) not getting paid, b) invalidating my insurance for the whole contract by a mistake made during this meeting.
I can't offer you legal advice, but I'd be tempted to see if the agency/client can either re-issue the contract schedule with the additional day included, or to write a letter/email requesting your services on this day under the same terms and conditions as the contract that starts later.Comment
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Personally, I'd attend and not charge, but that's just me.Comment
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I did exactly this once when there was a meeting scheduled the week before I started. It was only for a couple of hours but I didn't charge for it as I was meeting some bigwigs who were over from the States just for that week. The ClientCo was on my doorstep.
It paid off as I got two weeks in the States a month later, flying business class and staying in some top hotels. Managed to get a couple of days off for sightseeing and a round of golf too.
Sometimes it's not all about the invoicing
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Just to be clear - it's a full day's work - I used the word "meeting" which has made it sound like a short space of time. I wouldn't charge for a couple of hours myself! They've insisted that I am paid for the day as I'll be working full day and I think that's fair enough. I am thinking about my indemnity insurance and how it affects it - and if starting work before the contract start date is common or not - and any issues anyone can foresee.Originally posted by Batcher View PostI did exactly this once when there was a meeting scheduled the week before I started. It was only for a couple of hours but I didn't charge for it as I was meeting some bigwigs who were over from the States just for that week. The ClientCo was on my doorstep.
It paid off as I got two weeks in the States a month later, flying business class and staying in some top hotels. Managed to get a couple of days off for sightseeing and a round of golf too.
Sometimes it's not all about the invoicing
Huge thanks for all the responses so far. I do appreciate it.Comment
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if you are shadowing/listening - you sign in as a guest
if you are talking or logging into anything - you need your insurance inplace at least ....Comment
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Just change the start date for goodness sakes. Doesn't need to be a new draft of the contract docs, just an exchange of emails between yourself, agent and client agreeing to the change.Comment
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See no problem here, they've agreed to pay, and it shows good will to turn up. I think making a fuss about paperwork would just create an imperssion of "jobsworth".I'm alright JackComment
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