• Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
  • Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!

Consultancy witholding 20% of each invoice in new contracts

Collapse
X
  •  
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Consultancy witholding 20% of each invoice in new contracts

    Just been speaking with a friend who is working for a Government department via a well known consultancy. As part of the changes in response to the IR35 private sector rollout the new contracts that have been issued have a clause whereby 20% of each invoice is witheld till the end of the contract and release upon adequate performance. Has anyone else encountered this?
    In Scooter we trust

    #2
    Nice way to demonstrate financial risk (a minor CEST determining factor from memory) while potentially substantially increasing the consultancy's profits if the clause doesn't have clear cut success factors.

    merely at clientco for the entertainment

    Comment


      #3
      That would set my alarm bells ringing. I'd want to know exactly what "adequate performance" meant and how it was evidenced.

      That sort of thing totally drives the wrong behaviour as you'd spend more time collecting proof than delivering value to the client.

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by ladymuck View Post
        That would set my alarm bells ringing. I'd want to know exactly what "adequate performance" meant and how it was evidenced.

        That sort of thing totally drives the wrong behaviour as you'd spend more time collecting proof than delivering value to the client.
        Absolutely. If they want to withhold it I'd want to see very clear definitions of what the criteria is for it to be released. Very clear and tangible activities should be listed so they can be assessed and if need be argued. A general 20% and we'll pay you at the end is not acceptable at all.
        'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

          Absolutely. If they want to withhold it I'd want to see very clear definitions of what the criteria is for it to be released. Very clear and tangible activities should be listed so they can be assessed and if need be argued. A general 20% and we'll pay you at the end is not acceptable at all.
          The problem is - in a very wishy washy T&M agreement with flexible requirements - how do you determine prior to the contract beginning what the criteria is.
          merely at clientco for the entertainment

          Comment


            #6
            It does seem very vague on what adequate performance is, additionally it's only been dropped on several contractors I've previously worked with 2 weeks till their current contracts expire. Maybe it's a coincidence however it does seem the timing may benefit the consultancy in some capacity.
            In Scooter we trust

            Comment


              #7
              Shame they cannot get a 20% increase in case of inadequate performance by the end client

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by eek View Post

                The problem is - in a very wishy washy T&M agreement with flexible requirements - how do you determine prior to the contract beginning what the criteria is.
                Absolutely. I'd imagine in a vast majority of cases they'll honour it.. it's just that one that goes wrong and they are up the creek. Knowing the size of the client and the size of the consultancy will help. If they are both monsters they less to worry about than a small start up and two bit new consultancy.

                EDIT : It's Public Sector isn't it and you did say well known consultancy sorry. That should give you a bit more confidence.
                'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by The Spartan View Post
                  Just been speaking with a friend who is working for a Government department via a well known consultancy. As part of the changes in response to the IR35 private sector rollout the new contracts that have been issued have a clause whereby 20% of each invoice is witheld till the end of the contract and release upon adequate performance. Has anyone else encountered this?
                  I have never come across this and would turn a gig down if it had this clause in it I have not done any public sector work for years anyway that is probably why I have not seen it

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by JohnM View Post

                    I have never come across this and would turn a gig down if it had this clause in it I have not done any public sector work for years anyway that is probably why I have not seen it
                    You haven't come across it because it's brand new - as companies try to work out how to keep their contracts outside IR35 given the forthcoming rules...
                    merely at clientco for the entertainment

                    Comment

                    Working...
                    X