IR35 fodder - how much to over-quote to make it worthwhile?

[Mordac]

Can't you position an offer to the client that indicates you will accept £550/day if you can dictate the working conditions, else it'll be £750 (or whatever) due to government/IR35 regulations? Of course, get the client to sign the usual IR35 stuff and also ensure that you communicate that your professionalism, experience and capability will mean that you will over-achieve on their expectations, all whilst reducing any time/effort they would have otherwise suffered trying to 'manage' your workload.

That would have been my thought exactly, but I know the end client is a significant govt dept, and since my wife is currently at another significant govt dept in an HR related role, and they already have certain rules in place regarding third parties (including contractors) ahead of time, I'm loathe to chuck any money at trying to re-write something that isn't going to get re-written any time soon.

[northernladuk]

Can't you position an offer to the client that indicates you will accept £550/day if you can dictate the working conditions, else it'll be £750 (or whatever) due to government/IR35 regulations? Of course, get the client to sign the usual IR35 stuff and also ensure that you communicate that your professionalism, experience and capability will mean that you will over-achieve on their expectations, all whilst reducing any time/effort they would have otherwise suffered trying to 'manage' your workload.

That's a lovely idea but honestly, what are the chances of pulling that off... Slim to absolutely none. Sadly there will be someone else that will take the gig so there is no need for clients to consider that option.

We've got to add a good dose of realism when looking at the options.

[Hobosapien]

Indeed. Contract rates and asking more because you think it's necessary is the same as a landlord thinking they can up the rent to cover their overheads. Both depend on the state of the market and will get no biters if they ask too much when there's others willing to accept less.

So for contracting, view the bench similar to rental void periods when deciding how long to hold out for a higher rate before it makes more sense to go with the lower offers, if indeed there are any.

Personally I think everyone should ask 3 times their 'normal' rate, then I can sneak in with 2 times.