Notice Period

[malvolio]

Not what I'm saying. The client wants the job done at minimum risk to himself, irrespective of any other considerations. So having an assymetric notice period is to his benefit and not yours. Good for IR35 (a little), but not necessarily good business practice - think of the plumber analogy: you want him to finish the job, but you want to be able to dump him quickly if he's messing about.

It makes more sense if you are delivering something, rather than providing manpower, of course, but in the end it is basically a good thing

[mcquiggd]

When it comes down to it, a 30 day notice period to the agent and a 7 day notice period to yourself, normally means feck all.... especialliy if it involves Atos Origin or Alexander Mann.

If you are an experienced contractor you already know people who can give you the required legitimate references for your next gig. NEVER trust HR departments or managers, find people you know personally.

My referees range from government agencies to Microsoft owned consultances - but they are usually very senior technical people, or business people I have delivered systems to as end users, or people I really know I can trust, and worked alongside in senior roles. Never trust managers.

If you end up feeling its not the contract for you, discuss it with your line manager. From my previous experience they will normally come to an arrangement. Just remember my point about references though; as soon as a contractor is off a project they will be blamed for everything including the burning of the Reichstag, and youll neer work for that company, or even agency, again.