Taking an offer or holding for extension?

[inactionman]

Hi all

I’m currently contracting inside IR35 for a public sector client with a month left on initial contract – the length was only defined by end of funding year, and there’s plenty of work left to do and ambition to get funding to extend my role.

I’ve been offered a role that’s closer to home and for similar rate also within IR35. I went to interview really just as it was offered when situation at current client unclear, not specifically to change roles, and I've been successful.

I always prefer to stay with existing client but they are awaiting their review of business case before approving extension – the sponsor has been quite candid and honest to this point and expects the go-ahead, but obviously nothing is guaranteed. I also find the work interesting, usual frustrations with public sector excepted. In the meantime, the agent for the new role is chasing to get me signed up – I had agreed to take the role when I wasn’t sure the current contract would be extended, but was a little forced to make a quick call. The new agency are also insisting on an approved umbrella, so I can’t use my existing who have been very good so far.

Advice on way forward appreciated – should I be candid and say I’ll only accept new contract if there is definitely no extension, or should I just grab new contract?

[clearedforlanding]

Have you committed to anything in writing with agency 2?

[Lance]

Hi all

I’m currently contracting inside IR35 for a public sector client with a month left on initial contract – the length was only defined by end of funding year, and there’s plenty of work left to do and ambition to get funding to extend my role.

I’ve been offered a role that’s closer to home and for similar rate also within IR35. I went to interview really just as it was offered when situation at current client unclear, not specifically to change roles, and I've been successful.

I always prefer to stay with existing client but they are awaiting their review of business case before approving extension – the sponsor has been quite candid and honest to this point and expects the go-ahead, but obviously nothing is guaranteed. I also find the work interesting, usual frustrations with public sector excepted. In the meantime, the agent for the new role is chasing to get me signed up – I had agreed to take the role when I wasn’t sure the current contract would be extended, but was a little forced to make a quick call. The new agency are also insisting on an approved umbrella, so I can’t use my existing who have been very good so far.

Advice on way forward appreciated – should I be candid and say I’ll only accept new contract if there is definitely no extension, or should I just grab new contract?

That would be the deciding factor for me. Just tell 'em 'no way, I choose the umbrella or you can Foxtrot Oscar'. Be interesting to see what they say when you make threat and mean it.

[northernladuk]

That would be the deciding factor for me. Just tell 'em 'no way, I choose the umbrella or you can Foxtrot Oscar'. Be interesting to see what they say when you make threat and mean it.

We've seen plenty of examples where it's take it or leave it and they mean it with these PS gigs. They are hardly short of people so don't nee to bend to suit.

I also wouldn't be throwing away good gigs or using just this as a decision point when look at which gig I want. Unless the brolly is in dire financial straits or is an offshore job it's just a cross you have to bear for the right gig. I'd expect his choice is one of the standard big ones that is often getting mentioned in the Public Sector part of the forum.

I very much doubt he can delay this one for too long. He can't even use the contract review as an excuse. This is what happens when you go for interviews too early before the end of a gig unfortunately and if it doesn't dovetail you've got to be prepared to let it go if it's not the right option, even if it exposes you to a bit of risk.

Bearing in mind the PS mentality of keeping people on for long periods as a way of recruiting for positions rather than looking for short term specialists I'd be tempted to stay and take the risk.

[jmo21]

but was a little forced to make a quick call.

Poor you.

Make a decision 'inactionman'. Take the role or gamble that you'll definitely get extended. There is no way we can figure out if you'll 100% get extended, or if the current role is better than then new role.

[inactionman]

Poor you.

Make a decision 'inactionman'. Take the role or gamble that you'll definitely get extended. There is no way we can figure out if you'll 100% get extended, or if the current role is better than then new role.

I'll admit it's not been all that often that I've got to choose, so might as well make the most if it.

Ta to all for comments, I've not yet signed contract but I'm speaking to approved umbrella (the one the agency put through to me, so the one the agency will get commission on) and they're one of the big companies, based out of Bristol so should be above-board. If terms and conditions are OK I'll likely go with it.

[ChangePM]

I've just gone through a similar scenario and history will always say I made the wrong call.

I took a gamble that my existing contract wouldn't get extended, moved to a new client and got stung.

If the same situation ever presents itself, I'll be sticking with the client I'm with until there is 100% certainty either way if the contract is going to be extended or not. I overthought the situation and ending up thinking it through too much (making the wrong decision).

Ultimately, you have to go with your gut feeling. Good luck with it, whichever way you go.

[fidot]

Make a decision based on what you know at the time, don't look back, Then, make that decision the right one.
Once you have chosen a particular option, you have no way of knowing how the other option would have panned out anyway.

[tarbera]

Just being nosy

Hi all

I’m currently contracting inside IR35 for a public sector client with a month left on initial contract – the length was only defined by end of funding year, and there’s plenty of work left to do and ambition to get funding to extend my role.

I’ve been offered a role that’s closer to home and for similar rate also within IR35. I went to interview really just as it was offered when situation at current client unclear, not specifically to change roles, and I've been successful.

I always prefer to stay with existing client but they are awaiting their review of business case before approving extension – the sponsor has been quite candid and honest to this point and expects the go-ahead, but obviously nothing is guaranteed. I also find the work interesting, usual frustrations with public sector excepted. In the meantime, the agent for the new role is chasing to get me signed up – I had agreed to take the role when I wasn’t sure the current contract would be extended, but was a little forced to make a quick call. The new agency are also insisting on an approved umbrella, so I can’t use my existing who have been very good so far.

Advice on way forward appreciated – should I be candid and say I’ll only accept new contract if there is definitely no extension, or should I just grab new contract?

can I just ask, what makes your role so-caught within IR35?

were you working outside IR35 prior to new rules? are you expecting a knock at the door to ask for years and years of tax money owed?