Working without a contract

[Platypus]

Well yes, kinda but no. You had an implied contract on the previous terms so are pretty well covered?

Yes, that was my thinking.

[unixman]

Working without a contract is not uncommon in other industries, I believe. Despite all the disadvantages and objections raised above.

[Kitten1978]

Plus if you want to get a mortgage or re-mortgage you will need a contract

[TheFaQQer]

If there's no business contract between two businesses, then you're not contracting to them as a business.

Just because there is no written contract, doesn't mean that there is no contract.

[BR14]

Just because there is no written contract, doesn't mean that there is no contract.

Quite, just harder to prove a verbal contract than one with a paper trail IMHO

[BR14]

Quite, just harder to prove a verbal contract than one with a paper trail IMHO

Having said that, - one timesheet and one remittance against said timesheet ....

[darmstadt]

If there's no business contract between two businesses, then you're not contracting to them as a business.

They don't have to pay your invoices
Your company insurance while working for the client is most likely invalid
Your accountant will not be happy.

Why would you do work as a contractor without a contract?

Well coming up to 4 years for a US company and no contract and pay me within 1 day of receiving the invoice. Prior to that I was 7 years with a US company and no contract, they took a week to pay the invoice.

[northernladuk]

Well coming up to 4 years for a US company and no contract and pay me within 1 day of receiving the invoice. Prior to that I was 7 years with a US company and no contract, they took a week to pay the invoice.

So it works when it works. Nice to know, but that's not really the point of a contract.

[NotAllThere]

If there's an email saying "We'll pay you £5 a day in return for clicking the spacebar once an hour", then, in the absence of anything else, that's your contract.

I've worked without contract, but where there was a clear email discussion on what was required and the payment terms - and a purchase order.

A formal contract is a good thing, but it's by no means essential. Of course the OP hasn't shared what he means by "no contract".

[BlasterBates]

My first 4 month contract involved no paperwork, just quoted a rate down the phone and on numerous occasions the paperwork was late for renewals.

I don't really see a major problem if you are working for a reputable client but it is a good idea to get things in writing.