Do I have to work my notice period as a contractor?

[psychocandy]

If it was me.....

I'd ask current client first and explain the situation. They might be ok. "Most" clients are ok and since they are binning you then for most people, they'll feel a bit warm and fuzzy that they've helped you out and you've got something else.

If its a no - explain to new contract and see if they can wait a little longer.

If both parties say no and you're risking losing the new gig then I'd be tempted to pull a sickie for the last week or so.

Not ideal and last resort and there may be a bit of flak over it but I wouldnt be losing a new gig over it.

[GillsMan]

If it was me.....

I'd ask current client first and explain the situation. They might be ok. "Most" clients are ok and since they are binning you then for most people, they'll feel a bit warm and fuzzy that they've helped you out and you've got something else.

If its a no - explain to new contract and see if they can wait a little longer.

If both parties say no and you're risking losing the new gig then I'd be tempted to pull a sickie for the last week or so.

Not ideal and last resort and there may be a bit of flak over it but I wouldnt be losing a new gig over it.

I'd agree, except...what's all this pulling a sickie nonsense? (Others have mentioned it as well tbf). Just invoke the MOO clause - client offered work, contractor didn't accept. From the OP's own contract: "and the Service Provider is not obliged to accept any work offered". Don't accept work offered. I wouldn't normally advocate this, but it's in the contract, client has binned OP, OP has completed his handover work, and OP has a new gig lined up. It's really that simple folks. 3 pages of comments on such an easy question? Pfffft.

[LondonManc]

Sickie calls make me sick. No way to run a business.

Offer a substitute.

[gables]

I have to say pulling a sickie after having discussed leaving 'early' has to be a really stupid idea. If you're going to pull a sickie, which I wouldn't in this situation, then just pull a sickie.

There are better options already put forward, the main one being to talk to your client.

[MrMarkyMark]

I have to say pulling a sickie after having discussed leaving 'early' has to be a really stupid idea. If you're going to pull a sickie, which I wouldn't in this situation, then just pull a sickie.

There are better options already put forward, the main one being to talk to your client.

Funny that, right back to where we started

[LondonManc]

As others have said, keep it simple. Speak to the client about going early because you'll have everything done by such a date. If they won't let you go early, push the issue, ask why.

The one thing that I will say is do not involve the agent in this negotiation. They will simply see lost revenue and "force" you to stay.

[northernladuk]

If it was me.....

I'd ask current client first and explain the situation. They might be ok. "Most" clients are ok and since they are binning you then for most people, they'll feel a bit warm and fuzzy that they've helped you out and you've got something else.

If its a no - explain to new contract and see if they can wait a little longer.

If both parties say no and you're risking losing the new gig then I'd be tempted to pull a sickie for the last week or so.

Not ideal and last resort and there may be a bit of flak over it but I wouldnt be losing a new gig over it.

Figures seems that is a moronic thing to do. Typical permatractor thinking.

What difference do you really think it makes pulling a sickie? Do you think they are legally obliged to not question it or rate you as a unprofessional liar? You are the one that keeps papping on about business is business. Isn't that what this is? Not pulling stupid lies for no reason whatsoever.

It's funny but you try to defend yourself saying you've never said this before...

http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...ml#post2237933

Yet if I search for the word sickie it's nearly always your post that comes up and following every one you've been laid in to for years, not just by me. Why not read the feedback and actually attempt to change the way you work or think?

http://forums.contractoruk.com/gener...bags-full.html

[SlipTheJab]

Figures seems that is a moronic thing to do. Typical permatractor thinking.

What difference do you really think it makes pulling a sickie? Do you think they are legally obliged to not question it or rate you as a unprofessional liar? You are the one that keeps papping on about business is business. Isn't that what this is? Not pulling stupid lies for no reason whatsoever.

It's funny but you try to defend yourself saying you've never said this before...

http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...ml#post2237933

Yet if I search for the word sickie it's nearly always your post that comes up and following every one you've been laid in to for years, not just by me. Why not read the feedback and actually attempt to change the way you work or think?

http://forums.contractoruk.com/gener...bags-full.html

+1 re the Sickie, You may as well tell them you can't come in as your Unicorn is not well and the fairy who normally takes cares of him has come down with wing rot, if you're going to lie make it a big one , coming back to sanity for a mo, negotiate with the current and new client to come up with a compromise, maybe work extra hours in the evening or week end to fulfil your obligations (a bit of invoicing double bubble always gladdens the heart) , at the end of the day if the new client wants you they'll wait a week.

[LondonManc]

Also don't forget that the new agent wants you earning money for him asap, so will be keen to get you on board next week rather than the week after that.

[northernladuk]

Also don't forget 2 things. With an offer on the table the new client WILL be flexible. The other option is to start the process again or offer it to the second best person which is going to take much longer than a week so you have the position power. The new client might not like it but it's just how stuff is. They won't hold a grudge.. Knowing this the second thing comes in to play...

Contract reviews can take <cough>a week</cough>. Get your paperwork, tell them it's going to take a week to get the legals sorted. They can't really argue that and hey presto, you've got a week extra to pacify your new client and not lose the new gig.

They new client says MUST start but there is always wiggle room if you are smart.