Consultantcy via client changes start date less than 24 hrs notice

**northernladuk** · 25 September 2023, 09:00

Firstly the date on the contract is when the contract starts. It doesn't necessarily mean the day you start work. Secondly you are on a T&M contract that means you get paid for the days you work. These don't have to line up with the contract.

If they knew what they were doing they'd know the contract can start right now but they will only offer you work when it suits them. They don't need to issue a new contract really. Some people will say bill for the time as you were available but that's not a great start on day one of a contract and because of the paid when work they are under no obligation to pay it.

So back to the top point. You get paid when they offer you work and you do it so you are going to just have to suck it up and start when they are ready.

It's pretty crap, I get that but it is what it is.

**gables** · 25 September 2023, 09:28

Sort of happened to me on my last contract, was due to start on May 2nd 2022, was notified due to team lead holiday this would be delayed a week to 9th although I was given a little bit more notice of a week.. no new contract as not needed, no drama as it meant another week biking :-)

**malvolio** · 25 September 2023, 11:15

You're selling and the client is buying a service from you. Worrying about the precise start and end dates is out of your control, so either let them do their thing with the paperwork, turn up when required under the blanket of a mutually agreed contract and keep the client(s) happy, or walk away and find something else. One will earn you money, the other won't.

NLUK is right - you must understand you get paid for days worked, nothing else. Keep that in mind and a lot of these stupidities, generated by people who fail to understand the difference between a contractor and an employee (to whom such issues are more important) will fade away.

BTW I got bounced from a gig once at 15:00 of the Friday before the starting the following Monday, losing quite a bit of cash on booked accommodation and interview expenses. Crap happens, learn to live with it!

**SussexSeagull** · 25 September 2023, 13:16

Has happened to me although before the contract was issued and signed. As has been pointed out they don’t actually need to issue a new contract as they could just not pay you for this week, although they might be planning to add the week on at the end.

Probably one of those things although no harm in looking for something else in the meantime.

**northernladuk** · 25 September 2023, 13:39

Originally posted by SussexSeagull View Post

Probably one of those things although no harm in looking for something else in the meantime.

Better still is they shouldn't have stopped looking until they were logged in and working.

**SueEllen** · 25 September 2023, 14:00

Happened to me.

In my case it wasn't the consultancy's fault, it was their clients fault as their client didn't send me the equipment on time.

**TheDude** · 26 September 2023, 09:56

Welcome to contracting.

**Gibbon** · 26 September 2023, 12:14

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Better still is they shouldn't have stopped looking until they were logged in and working and first invoice paid correctly!!!!.

This ^^ & FTFY. Swings and roundabouts. I once had similar with delayed start and no firm date so went for another interview, bagged it and 5 mins after accepting the other one came in with a start date. They weren't too happy when I said no thanks.

**northernladuk** · 26 September 2023, 12:34

Originally posted by TheDude View Post

Welcome to contracting.

/thread

Consultantcy via client changes start date less than 24 hrs notice