Awaiting contract extension - query !

[SueEllen]

Isn't that an oxymoron or summat like that?

Yep.

Basically the agent wants you to sign the contract.

[psychocandy]

Always a difficult one. Some clients are just crap at sorting extensions.

I had one who used to leave it until last minute. I'd pack up my stuff and put it in the car.

In the end, I agreed that if someone senior within the client or agency stuck it in email that it was all agreed then I'd carry on and give them 48 hours to get it all sorted. Not ideal but I'd have lost two days every quarter.

However, one young lady contractor made me look bad. She went 6 WEEKS without a contract and continued working just because the excuse given was manager on holiday. Nuts.

I was always a bit wary of this client (a big multinational) because I'd known one contractor who worked two weeks without contract for them to turn around and say "Oops it didnt get signed off - sorry about that we cant pay you"

[MaryPoppins]

However, one young lady contractor made herself look bad. She went 6 WEEKS without a contract and continued working just because the excuse given was manager on holiday. Nuts.

FTFY

[LondonManc]

It also depends on the client. Some places expire your pass and login if the paperwork hasn't gone through so you cannot actually work at risk anyway (protection for them more than you).

[garethevans1986]

It should be, no contract = not onsite.

[jayjay69]

It also depends on the client. Some places expire your pass and login if the paperwork hasn't gone through so you cannot actually work at risk anyway (protection for them more than you).

This is the issue I have as I have a pass for barrier controls and access to offices are all via electronic ID pass.I have had three extensions on this contract since Jan and I can tell when security have not been informed as the day after each extension I have not got access and somebody senior has had to alert the security team.It normally takes about an hour for full access again but as somebody else pointed out on here it is more down to poor communication from senior managers and budget holders in my case.

[LondonManc]

It should be, no contract = not onsite.

Certainly in anywhere with a decent operational risk manager it would be.

[northernladuk]

This is the issue I have as I have a pass for barrier controls and access to offices are all via electronic ID pass.I have had three extensions on this contract since Jan and I can tell when security have not been informed as the day after each extension I have not got access and somebody senior has had to alert the security team.It normally takes about an hour for full access again but as somebody else pointed out on here it is more down to poor communication from senior managers and budget holders in my case.

Well I'd rather they were a day or two late than not bothering cancelling expired passes. Getting on site with a pass you know to be expired will be against their security policy and am sure is enough grounds for instant termination.

Hardly the end of the world waiting a bit for a valid pass.

[jayjay69]

Well I'd rather they were a day or two late than not bothering cancelling expired passes. Getting on site with a pass you know to be expired will be against their security policy and am sure is enough grounds for instant termination.

Hardly the end of the world waiting a bit for a valid pass.

Agree it is not the end of the world lucky they are manned by security who I know on first name terms so they can manually let me enter site although some may say it defeats the whole object of a pass in the first place.Well my TL has confirmed new contract agreed and sent to agency but no conformation email yet to accept it via their portal!

[BlasterBates]

The way to make these decisions is to assess the risk. What is the risk you won't get paid and what is the alternative.

Assuming there is a 20% chance of not being paid and assuming that you don't have an alternative contract and for the sake of argument earning 500 a day.

Continuing the project for a week : 0.8 * 2500 = 2000
Staying at home : 1.0 * 0 = 0

Therefore it makes sense to continue even if the contract isn't signed because over many projects even though sometimes you won't be paid, you will still earn more than simply twiddling your thumbs at home waiting for the renewal documentation.