New to contracting - resources?

[eek]

Where did this come from? Sadly this isn't true though. in 99% of times you just won't get considered without existing clearance. The number of clients willing to wait 6 weeks to put you through SC is tiny. You'll just get passed over for the next person with SC.

One issue is that clearance currently isn't taking 6 weeks, it's often taking 3+ months due to the backlog.

Basically if you haven't got existing clearance that can be (ab)used you haven't got a chance.

[northernladuk]

One issue is that clearance currently isn't taking 6 weeks, it's often taking 3+ months due to the backlog.

Basically if you haven't got existing clearance that can be (ab)used you haven't got a chance.

Agreed.

[malvolio]

Sorry this comes from my experience. I have clearance but others apply and joined with no previous experience

That proves nothing. What the rules say and what the real world does are two entirely different things. 90% of uncleared people won't get anywhere near the interview stage.

And whose clearance do you have? If it's not from a Department or the Police, it actually means very little. Holding List-X clearance does not usually translate to Departmental clearance, you will have to be re-vetted at some level. And that is because List-X is for general use (i.e. you passed the basic vetting process) so a contractor company can supply staff, for a real Ministry role you will be (re-)measured against a fairly precise set of criteria.