Returning after 10 Years

[SF2000]

I was a contractor in the 90's. I gave it up shortly after Y2K and at the introduction of IR35. They were good times but I just had enough of it.

For the past 10 years I have been working from home running websites. After a few years of steady growth the recession seems to have hit trade. Income has dropped off rapidly in the past 2 years so I am thinking of returning contracting.

1. What are the markets like these days?
From what I see there seems to be less contracts and the rates now are lower than they were in 1999 (roles then: 2nd/3rd line desktop / server support)

2. Does IR35 still apply?
If yes any ways around it? I remember that there was a 28 day limit or something, or that you could join an umbrella company?

3. Agencies
Anything changed here? Is it still submit CV, discuss suitable roles, interview, contract signed, start, monthly pay..

Are there any that should be avoided? There were a couple in the late 90's with bad reps - reneging on rates.

Are the going rates genuine or have agencies squeezed their margins?

4. New Skills
In the 90s I had desktop / server, 2nd and 3rd line roles. This was easy and contracts were in abundance. Now I would be a little bit rusty - especially with Microsoft stuff.

I have learnt new skills since then. LAMP servers, web site stuff, php, javascript so I could take on a www design type role.

Should I pitch for www and support roles or just the one I am now more skilled in?

[Clare@InTouch]

Just to answer your IR35 bit - yes it still exists, but if you join an umbrella it doesn't apply. Of course you'll also be paying more tax that way too.

Your status is based on the work you do, and the theoretical contract in place between you and the client. If you work and act like a genuine contractor then it won't apply. It's good to get this reflected in the written contract too of course (check out the PCG if you need some good templates).

If in doubt get the contract and working conditions reviewed by an expert.

[nomadd]

I was a contractor in the 90's. I gave it up shortly after Y2K and at the introduction of IR35. They were good times but I just had enough of it.

For the past 10 years I have been working from home running websites. After a few years of steady growth the recession seems to have hit trade. Income has dropped off rapidly in the past 2 years so I am thinking of returning contracting.

1. What are the markets like these days?
From what I see there seems to be less contracts and the rates now are lower than they were in 1999 (roles then: 2nd/3rd line desktop / server support)

2. Does IR35 still apply?
If yes any ways around it? I remember that there was a 28 day limit or something, or that you could join an umbrella company?

3. Agencies
Anything changed here? Is it still submit CV, discuss suitable roles, interview, contract signed, start, monthly pay..

Are there any that should be avoided? There were a couple in the late 90's with bad reps - reneging on rates.

Are the going rates genuine or have agencies squeezed their margins?

4. New Skills
In the 90s I had desktop / server, 2nd and 3rd line roles. This was easy and contracts were in abundance. Now I would be a little bit rusty - especially with Microsoft stuff.

I have learnt new skills since then. LAMP servers, web site stuff, php, javascript so I could take on a www design type role.

Should I pitch for www and support roles or just the one I am now more skilled in?

1. Bad. Unless you have the exact skills and industry experience.
2. Yes. No. Yes. No. Etc. Do some research.
3. Pretty much the same. But with Point 2 coming into the equation. Do some research.
4. Then you are fooked. 1 million Bobs with LAMP and PHP and "web design". And they are cheap. Real cheap.

Seriously, I've been contracting since the late '80s continuously, and I've seen how much things have changed. If I was you, I'd be considering other options besides contracting. You may get lucky - I hope you do - but forget everything you ever knew from The Good 'Ole Days.

Ps. Do some research (...all your questions have been covered to death on this very forum, for a start...)