Contract wording for termination period

[user3284]

Have received my first contract and have a question on the notice period.

The contract mentions, "a 1 week notice period is applicable to all parties for the first 4 weeks of the contract. Thereafter, a 2 week written notice is applicable to all parties."

So would I be right in saying that for whatever reason, if something doesnt go well in the first few days, I can verbally say I don't want to continue this contract and this will be enough to leave?

Does there have to be a specific reason?

Will any other part of the contract be breached if a notice is asked after the first few days?

Its just that the client and agent have waited a few weeks for the whole process and I wouldnt want them to bring action or a clause in the contract about wasting time and money.

[LondonManc]

There's nothing to stop you making up a BS but plausible and professional exit excuse. As long as you serve your notice, you've complied with its T&Cs.
They won't have to, they can terminate without paying you for the 1 or 2 weeks - "sorry, budget pulled, don't come in".

[TonyF]

Unless there is anything else in the contract then you can give notice for whatever reason at whatever time.

"As per clause 123, MyCo is terminating our contract with AgencyCo. The last day that we will provide services under this contract is <date>." You never need to say more than that.

[user3284]

There is one clause which mentions,

"
6.1.2 not engage in any conduct detrimental to the interest of agency or the Client which includes any conduct tending to bring agency or the Client into disrepute or which results in the loss of custom or business;

6.3.3 accept liability for all losses, claims, demands, proceedings, damages, costs, charges and expenses caused by the acts or omissions of the Contractor or of any Consultant in the course of providing the Services to the Client where such acts are a breach of this Agreement or are negligent or wrongful but not otherwise;"

Would this be indenpendent from handing in a notice?

I keep on thinking that after all these weeks of trying to recruit, then they can say, youre leaving after a few days, that is causing us damage/losses?

[radish2008]

I'd recommend getting the contract reviewed by a solicitor and directing your questions to them.

I sounds like you don't really have a grasp of standard clauses in contracts - a bit of googling might help as well.

[LondonManc]

There is one clause which mentions,

"
6.1.2 not engage in any conduct detrimental to the interest of agency or the Client which includes any conduct tending to bring agency or the Client into disrepute or which results in the loss of custom or business;

6.3.3 accept liability for all losses, claims, demands, proceedings, damages, costs, charges and expenses caused by the acts or omissions of the Contractor or of any Consultant in the course of providing the Services to the Client where such acts are a breach of this Agreement or are negligent or wrongful but not otherwise;"

Would this be indenpendent from handing in a notice?

I keep on thinking that after all these weeks of trying to recruit, then they can say, youre leaving after a few days, that is causing us damage/losses?

6.1.2 - if you've blagged your way in and are found to be a chancer, you're going to put the reputation of both client and agency at risk.

6.3.3 - this is what your insurance is for.

Why are you thinking of leaving the contract before taking it?

[northernladuk]

Why are you thinking of leaving the contract before taking it?

This is the first thing I thought when I first read this thread. If it's your first one you should be nailing it regardless how bad it is. Anything less than 3 months and it's going to look really bad on your CV.

[LondonManc]

This is the first thing I thought when I first read this thread. If it's your first one you should be nailing it regardless how bad it is. Anything less than 3 months and it's going to look really bad on your CV.

In addition to this, I'd suggest that contracting v perm is like agile v waterfall - both similar things but totally different mindsets are needed to be successful.

[user3284]

just making sure on a few details but will be ready to work through the whole contract to make it sucessful

[BlasterBates]

Legally, it's not a problem to leave a project early but if you do your name will be mud with the client. As a contractor you will need a base of clients, you want to be able to return to them. Only leave if there are serious problems not because you can get 20 quid extra a day somewhere else.

If your rate is low correct it at the next renewal not mid-contract.