Opinions on what to do with a silly agent.

[jmo21]

First off, this isn't a question of whether I should or shouldn't opt out. I know the pro's and con's.

An agent has asked me to reply in writing that I am "happy to opt out of IR35".

Clearly, this is rubbish, and I assume he is talking about the agency regs.

I started to word an email telling him that wasn't possible, assumed he meant the agency regs etc, and also the fact that as I have already met the client and been offered, it means flip all anyway as I am by default opted in.

Am of a mind just to reply saying "yes that's fine".

what do you think folks?

[Not So Wise]

Wish we could just "opt out" of IR35

I would just reply with, "yes that's fine" otherwise you will end up teaching him that the sky is blue…..and he will argue the fact with you untill you both die of old age

[cojak]

I would as well - most humourous when he discovers you haven't opted-out of what he thinks you've opted-out of...

(wouldn't wave it in front of Hector though....)

[zara_backdog]

Go and say yes. I would love to know what the reply was - if any.

[The Agents View]

Go and say yes. I would love to know what the reply was - if any.

Interesting - I would assume he means that he wants you to opt out of things like working time directive, and being limited to the number of hours you work etc - giving you the same rights on that side, as an employee.

It affects IR35, but isn't opting out of IR35 - how much easier would my job be if you could just "opt out"!!??!

I'd just reply "yes" and be done with it - if he doesn't know what he's talking about it's his problem.

[Ardesco]

Interesting - I would assume he means that he wants you to opt out of things like working time directive, and being limited to the number of hours you work etc - giving you the same rights on that side, as an employee.

It affects IR35, but isn't opting out of IR35 - how much easier would my job be if you could just "opt out"!!??!

I'd just reply "yes" and be done with it - if he doesn't know what he's talking about it's his problem.

Rubbish, opting in/out has absolutely no effect on IR35 despite the crap you agents keep trying to peddle. Opting out makes your life easy which is why you want us to do it.

[pleomax]

Is there a quick ref guide to pros and cons of opting out?

[blacjac]

Is there a quick ref guide to pros and cons of opting out?

Yes.

1. If you opt out then the agent can screw you over.
2. If you don't, they can't.


I know that is over simplified but that is the jist of it. The regulations are there to protect the workers, they prevent the agency from using handcuff clauses and ensure that the worker get's paid for the hours they work, regardless of if the agency get paid or not.

There are some that argue these regulations should be just for temps and not apply to contractors, but that's a different discussion.... .

[swamp]

Have you started working yet? Have you had an interview?