State of the Market

[northernladuk]

Yeah, for 'abusing tags'.

What on earth IS that? Not for amusement, but just in case I (or anyone else) fall into that trap.

Don't worry, unending tedium and sprouting rubbish isn't bannable.. carry on.

[nomadd]

Don't worry, unending tedium and sprouting rubbish isn't bannable.. carry on.

After all these years OCUK still doesn't have a black pot kettle icon..

[PerfectStorm]

Is anyone else seeing companies taking advantage of the current situation to lower salaries and rates through the floor?

That seemed like more of a February/March thing when IR35 was still happening

[Old Greg]

Unfortunately, it sounds like they're paying the new market rate. Sometimes you have to suck it up to keep the wolf from the door.

[caffeine man]

Yes, I had an offer of £200 pounds a day lower than my expected rate. Agent came back a week later and offered £100 more, as another guy they interviewed got caught out lying about skills at phone interview. That’s what happens when you offer low rates. I still declined, as was not enthusiastic about the company and was £100 a day down.


Sent from my iPhone using Contractor UK Forum

[northernladuk]

Yes, I had an offer of £200 pounds a day lower than my expected rate. Agent came back a week later and offered £100 more, as another guy they interviewed got caught out lying about skills at phone interview. That’s what happens when you offer low rates. I still declined, as was not enthusiastic about the company and was £100 a day down.

100 quid a day down compared to what? Nothing?

[jayn200]

Yes, I had an offer of £200 pounds a day lower than my expected rate. Agent came back a week later and offered £100 more, as another guy they interviewed got caught out lying about skills at phone interview. That’s what happens when you offer low rates. I still declined, as was not enthusiastic about the company and was £100 a day down.


Sent from my iPhone using Contractor UK Forum

When was this? Probably should have just taken it if the only issue was the £100 day discount...

The fact they offered £200 less than your regular day rate tells me your regular day rate is probably high enough that the £100 day rate discount won't have any impact on your take home pay as you're likely well above basic tax rate.

So you're making the decision to deplete your reserves instead of feed them in an absolute tulip job market. I mean that's your choice but just seems silly to me.

[PerfectStorm]

Nothing like burning £400 of opportunity cost a day waiting for a £500 gig

[hairymouse]

Unfortunately, it sound like they're paying the new market rate. Sometimes you have to suck it up to keep the wolf from the door.

Yep, that's what I am going to do. I'll have to tighten my belt for a few months and then when the market has changed I'll be looking for the new market rate and then some.

[Old Greg]

Yep, that's what I am going to do. I'll have to tighten my belt for a few months and then when the market has changed I'll be looking for the new market rate and then some.

My one extended bench time was in 2010 IIRC. After 5 months, I got a call from an old contractor colleague on a Thursday. Could I start Monday? Crappy rate, 1k per month travel into London. I grabbed the opportunity like a tulipty stick.