Should I go Contract?

[BrilloPad]

Something similar happened to a friend in 1989 - at a swiss software house(winter partners). they offered my friend the chance to go contract - same money but with the tax breaks of going contract. I advised her that double money was a starting point.

But going contract was her suggestion!

[ChimpMaster]

I'm guessing that you're in the very early stages of your career and that you still have a lot to learn.

How long have you been at this employer? Could it be that they are trying to make you resign your permanent job and become a contractor so that they don't have to give you redundancy pay?

Do you have enough experience to survive as a contractor in this current climate? What is the job/contract market like for your skillset?

As pervious poster said, you should get double the permanent pay as a contractor, to allow for no holiday pay/pension/sick pay/insurance/training/employee rights etc etc. At least 50% more money anyway.

And to confirm other posts here, you will fall under IR35 and hence you will be paying full taxation on your contract income. There will only be a tax saving for your employer, because they will not be liable for your Employee N.I. any more (you will now pay for this).

[Alan @ BroomeAffinity]

My boss is a idiot - he cant even use facebook. No-one his age can.

I'd rather have good grammar than be able to use facebook - innit.

[Scotchpie]

Now's not really a good time to begin contracting, in fact it's probably the worst given the current economic climate.

If your boss is giving you no option, ie. it's either this or out, then try and negotiate a fixed term contract to start you off, say six months. This will then give you the time to get your C.V out and find another contract.

[b0redom]

My boss is a idiot - he cant even use facebook. No-one his age can.

Where's the troll smiley?

[BrilloPad]

Anyone got any popcorn?

[voodooflux]

Anyone got any popcorn?

Here y'go.

[TykeMerc]

Assuming the OP isn't a troll (that's a really wild assumption) the answer to the question is a clear no.

[Diestl]

It's a good time to go contracting, rates are high, there plenty of contracts. However im comparing it with 2000BC, when it wasnt a good time as there were no contracts and rates were low.

[badger7579]

Hi,

I am currently permanent for a small software house in Slough. Myemployer recently said tht I had to become a contractor. Its a new government legislation or something. To be honest I was not really listening.

They said as a contractor I willget lots of tax breaks so I will be alot better off though they will pay me the same money. Which is great news - I cant wait.

My neighbour sugested this site - said I could lots of info on what stuff I can claim.

I sign on Friday so plse tell me wht I need to do.

Thx
DW

One born every minute. But you made me laugh cheers