State of the Market

[SussexSeagull]

Most of my coterie of friendly agents got wiped out during lockdown but the agent I got my last pre-lockdown contract through found me a few things that kept the wolf from the door.

In the process of rebuilding my circle of contacts at the moment. From where I am sitting the Christmas slow down started in about October but things picked up in about the second week of January.

Just need to get something over the line now.

[edison]

Out of curiosity, have you ever contacted a pimp who got you a contract in the past and asked them to let you know if they get new contracts? I have, but either new contracts were not appealing or I never heard from them despite them saying that they will keep an eye out for me.

I can assure you I give my 200% in every contract and do not leave halfway.

Three of my first five gigs over a six year period came through the same agency, two of which were the same agent. This agent then went to set up on his own and I've since got another gig via someone I met at that agency. Judging by my network on LinkedIn there has been a massive churn of recruiters in the last 6-9 months swapping firms - it's a very incestuous industry.

My perception is agents (mainly at larger agencies) don't care so much who they get to fit most roles as it's a numbers game for them. As you go higher up the day rate scale, it appears they put a bit more effort into it and there's a bit more mutual relationship building and networking. That's only my experience, YMMV.

[SussexSeagull]

When i started about 14 years ago recruitment was changing from something you could have mutually beneficial relationships with agents with to being almost fully transactional. That might be reversing a bit at the moment.

[Destiny2]

Tip of the day : By default, all roles are inside IR35, whether it is mentioned or not. It is only OUTSIDE IR35 if it explicitly states this.

[Lance]

Tip of the day : By default, all roles are inside IR35, whether it is mentioned or not. It is only OUTSIDE IR35 if it explicitly states this, and maybe not even then

FTFY

[Destiny2]

First HGV drivers, now patrolmen ?


Roadside Mechanic - OTE £50,000pa, guaranteed minimum of £46,518pa plus £1000 new starter bonus (bonus paid in full in first wage - this will be repayable if you leave the business within 12 months)
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Our Superflex Patrol are just that, super-flexible. You'll work 40 hours per week within the hours of 0600 and 0200 over seven days a week, including evenings, early mornings, weekends, and Bank Holidays. We'll tell you 7 days in advance when you'll be working and let you have your core hours 3 days in advance.
In return for your flexibility, we offer:

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[northernladuk]

Have to pay me way more than that if there was a sniff of a chance I'd have to attend a break down on a smart motorway.

[SussexSeagull]

Currently doing background checks for a contract starting in a couple of weeks. Had an interview for another one which went quiet until the agent got in touch to say the same client wanted to talk to me about another role. I am sure all concerned will be shocked when I tell them I am already spoken for!

Noticeable how busy it has been in the New Year versus the last quarter of last year for me.

[Destiny2]

Currently doing background checks for a contract starting in a couple of weeks. Had an interview for another one which went quiet until the agent got in touch to say the same client wanted to talk to me about another role. I am sure all concerned will be shocked when I tell them I am already spoken for!

Noticeable how busy it has been in the New Year versus the last quarter of last year for me.

Aye, I am now able to get hold of pimps too and on Monday alone, my CV was forwarded to five clients.

[quackhandle]

Had interviews but nothing doing, four months on the bench now, getting rather tiresome.

Warchest is fine but now considering making company dormant and possibly going permy for a year or two.

Lots of inside gigs this week wanting SC.

It's a no from me.

qh