Contract through a recruitment agency

[TheFaQQer]

It took several conversations with agency and umbrella before I could figure out which of them I was actually working for from a legal perspective.

That's worrying to say the least.

[northernladuk]

That's worrying to say the least.

Damn straight!!

[seanraaron]

Just writing it out sounds goofy:

Employed by umbrella, but they just process my pay. Agency got me the role with a managed service company who are basically absent and barely gave me what I would consider an interview (basically just general questions to confirm I could speak English and responded to the name on my CV - knew nothing about the role or anything technical), so I'm working for the client of the client of the agency and I have to fill out three timesheets per week. One less intermediary would be nice in future.

[clearedforlanding]

Just writing it out sounds goofy:

Employed by umbrella, but they just process my pay. Agency got me the role with a managed service company who are basically absent and barely gave me what I would consider an interview (basically just general questions to confirm I could speak English and responded to the name on my CV - knew nothing about the role or anything technical), so I'm working for the client of the client of the agency and I have to fill out three timesheets per week. One less intermediary would be nice in future.

Christ, so the end client is getting invoiced £500 per day & you're getting £200? Enjoy those high expectations. Ouch.

[seanraaron]

Christ, so the end client is getting invoiced £500 per day & you're getting £200? Enjoy those high expectations. Ouch.

Actually I'm getting closer to £300 (£292 if you want to know and I know you do). If it was £200 I'd have stayed perm.

[MrMarkyMark]

Actually I'm getting closer to £300 (£292 if you want to know and I know you do). If it was £200 I'd have stayed perm.

Christ on a bike and for a bank, too, I was getting a lot more than that over 16 years ago

[seanraaron]

Christ on a bike and for a bank, too, I was getting a lot more than that over 16 years ago

It's Scotland which is cheaper than London rates for sure, but I probably could have gotten £350 if I wasn't as green. Other factor was that the job is outside my core skills area. Frankly at more than %50 over my perm rate I don't feel hard done by. My biggest issue is that there's not much going on, really.

[clearedforlanding]

It's Scotland which is cheaper than London rates for sure, but I probably could have gotten £350 if I wasn't as green. Other factor was that the job is outside my core skills area. Frankly at more than %50 over my perm rate I don't feel hard done by. My biggest issue is that there's not much going on, really.

Well fair enough. If you lurk and search on these forums you'll pick up a lot. I doubt there is a single one of us who hasn't been burnt at some point, but there is a huge knowledge base of information and help here from people who have seen it all before.

Remember that 50% over your perm rate is only on billable days, you have to factor in sickness, holidays & time on the bench.

The chain of agencies/consultancies you go to each add a margin on to the bill, so whereas you may be receiving £292, the client expectation is probably set by a £500 fee and they will expect you to provide work/effort commensurate to that.

In the future try not to have more than one intermediary between yourself & end client. If you have to use an Umbrella company that will add another, but we have a wonderful forum member who runs an Umbrella company and gives great advice. Lisa@ContractorUmbrella.

Best of luck with your new contract and future contracting.

[seanraaron]

Thanks and believe me I'm reading all threads of interest and prepping for my next agency sit. If I worked a four day week I'd be making my old salary so I'm well-aware of the sick/holiday bind. I really need to keep ahead so I can build that savings, but between bank holidays and my kid's school hols this is going to be a challenge I can see already.

[northernladuk]

Thanks and believe me I'm reading all threads of interest and prepping for my next agency sit. If I worked a four day week I'd be making my old salary so I'm well-aware of the sick/holiday bind. I really need to keep ahead so I can build that savings, but between bank holidays and my kid's school hols this is going to be a challenge I can see already.

Are you sure you don't mean your income to the LTD would be your old salary?