Trial Period

[Sally20]

What is the view on contracts that include a 'trial' period which facilitates an immediate termination of the contract if necessary.

Does this sound a little too much like 'employment' despite the fact that it is a contract role?

Any views.

[tim123]

Nope, it sounds nothing like a permi job. There is no way that you can instantly dismiss a permi just because they can't do the job, you have to go through a discipline procedure and give them time to 'learn', even during a trial period.

As a contractor, the right of the company to say "no, you're not the (wo)man for the job, go now" is a plus point not a minus.

tim

[CAB]

I have had a couple of contracts with a "Trial Period" of 2 months, during which time the contract could be terminated if I proved unsuitable. Being confident in my abilities I did not mind signing the contract and believe it is a good idea, since you are given the opportunity to validate your CV, and see if you fit into the organization (to the extent a contractor can).

Additionally, it is 2 way, so if the client has misrepresented the work involved, or if you clash with the manager, the contractor can also exercise the immediate termination.