Lloyds - Closed Shop?

[Dallas]

1. Grow some balls, you run a business

2. Tell current manager youll see then next tuesday

3. Check non-compete terms in contract

4. If 3 is legit call new guy

5. If 3 is not legit find new role

6. If all of this is beyond you, go perm

[Sausage Surprise]

My question is not over workload and not concerned with tribunals etc.

When the current task manager (offering 10% rate cut at renewal and troublesome leave approvals) was contacted by the other Division (offering 10% rate increase, work from home) for a new contract role - the outcome was the interview confirmed was withdrawn ten mins later.

This is what I mean by closed shop etc. the current manager is pushing away other contract opportunities in the company from me. I'm lucky so far in that once I get on market I usually get a new contract in a week or so (famous last words!)

I mentioned the award etc to point out that this interview withdrawal was not performance related ;-)

You're not a permie !!!!!!

[Stevie Wonder Boy]

My question is not over workload and not concerned with tribunals etc.

When the current task manager (offering 10% rate cut at renewal and troublesome leave approvals) was contacted by the other Division (offering 10% rate increase, work from home) for a new contract role - the outcome was the interview confirmed was withdrawn ten mins later.

This is what I mean by closed shop etc. the current manager is pushing away other contract opportunities in the company from me. I'm lucky so far in that once I get on market I usually get a new contract in a week or so (famous last words!)

I mentioned the award etc to point out that this interview withdrawal was not performance related ;-)

Don't take the renewal on 10% rate cut and additional workload, call his bluff. or stay and eat it. Your choice.

[bluedrop]

My advice would be to stay put with 10% cut or whatever. Start looking aggressively. Since you are a first time contractor, i strongly recommend not coming on bench without another contract (when possible). It will make looking for your next contract less stressful.

[TestMangler]

I just left Lloyds last week.

Hiring manager phoned about a month ago and said I was getting a six month extension but asked what I'd do if the rate was cut by 15%. Told her I'd give notice and leave.

Agent phoned to confirm 15% rate cut so I put notice in and got a call from hiring manager saying "I'm a bit surprised by this !"

Well, you ******* shouldn't be. I told you half an hour ago what I'd do.

Anyone who accepts a rate cut is a dick. They only do it because there are plenty of dicks who'll accept it and moan on a forum instead.

[ImaginativeTruth]

Thanks all.

Update - Met current task manager and challenged on withdrawal of interview in other Division. He fluffed about and its clear that he feels he 'owns' me. We've agreed once we have finished our negotiation on an extension that I will be free to approach other Division (!). Its clear there is an unwritten protocol not to 'poach' internally so there is a closed shop. Politics are rife for sure.

Non compete clause in contract is helpful point to check, cheers.

Overall, I think task manager has now weakened his position as he can see I had strong interest and at better rates / conditions from other areas / other co.'s.

Agree that going on bench after a year is to be avoided - this is all brinkmanship and negotiation.

PS
Why do people quickly jump to suggest I go permie. Sure I'm starting out and finding feet - but saying to go back to employees status isn't hugely helpful folks.

[SussexSeagull]

Thanks all.

Update - Met current task manager and challenged on withdrawal of interview in other Division. He fluffed about and its clear that he feels he 'owns' me. We've agreed once we have finished our negotiation on an extension that I will be free to approach other Division (!). Its clear there is an unwritten protocol not to 'poach' internally so there is a closed shop. Politics are rife for sure.

Non compete clause in contract is helpful point to check, cheers.

Overall, I think task manager has now weakened his position as he can see I had strong interest and at better rates / conditions from other areas / other co.'s.

Agree that going on bench after a year is to be avoided - this is all brinkmanship and negotiation.

PS
Why do people quickly jump to suggest I go permie. Sure I'm starting out and finding feet - but saying to go back to employees status isn't hugely helpful folks.

I think they are saying it as you are talking like a permanent employee. When all is said and done you are your own boss and shouldn't be engaging in a client's internal politics.

Nothing wrong with being a permanent employee and contracting isn't for everyone.

[PerfectStorm]

That said, isn't there a lot of disguised employment in contracting. I know people here like to talk like it's black and white but the experience for me has been a lot of grey areas...

Difference between imagined responses to IR35 scenarios and real life I guess?

[shingz]

LBG - crap place

Leaving after the Xmas break. Giving notice next Fri.

Absolutely the most miserable place I've had to work in. Will never work here again, not even at double the rate.

I feel your pain....

[Bunk]

I am a first timer

I'm lucky so far in that once I get on market I usually get a new contract in a week or so

Which is it?