Should I bring up the topic of extension?

**downsouth** · 22 December 2010, 15:24

I always ask the client, far too often do I hear that from agencies, afterall its in their interest to also keep you in with client.

Ratewise again after an indication from the client on an ext then get onto your agent, that markup is a joke, if that cut is true then i'd push for maximum afterall you appear to be 'considering' leaving so let them come back to you.

**pmeswani** · 22 December 2010, 15:29

Originally posted by NorthWestPerm2Contr View Post

Here is the situation:

1) In a decent gig at the moment but a bit too far a commute (60+ miles each way).
2) I am being undersold to client (client being charged 300+margin) while I am being paid 280 - found this out through colleague.
3) I wouldn't mind the time off at the end of gig while waiting for a closer role
4) Contacted agency and asked if they were wanting to extend, got the answer that they always decide only 2 weeks before contract ends
5) Currently working on a project which requires at least another 2 months work and there is lots more work to be done.
6) End of contract is in 3 weeks.

Do I:

a) Play it cool, let them come to me and negotiate my rate up?
b) Ask clientco: What's happening: are you intending on extending? Will that make me look weak and needy?

I am currently applying for what little roles there are, I managed to get a phone interview setup for 4th Jan but no idea how. The role has nothing to do with my skillset - perhaps cos it's in the Isle of Man? Incidently anybody got experience of working in the Isle of Man? The rate is very high and it would give me the industry experience I am looking for which is the only reason I would be going for it, otherwise I will stick it out in the NW. I have been put forwards for a few roles as well but feedback won't come until early next year.....

Play it cool and continue to find a new contract. Subtle discretion, whilst dropping some hints, may be key here.

When I worked for a client in Vauxhall, I started to look for a new contract towards the end. I knew there was a slim to medium chance of an extension, but decided not to take anything for granted. Client got wind of what I was doing and offered an extension.

It can backfire, but in the end, you have to prepare for the eventuality of not getting the extension. If you get the extension, try and get £300 p/d.

Good luck.

**nomadd** · 22 December 2010, 17:13

Originally posted by NorthWestPerm2Contr View Post

b) Ask clientco: What's happening: are you intending on extending? Will that make me look weak and needy?

Makes you look thorough and professional in my book.

Of course, this may force your hand if they offer the renewal. Mind you, that will then give you the opportunity to discuss the rate - as they may well be the one's looking "needy".

**Wanderer** · 22 December 2010, 22:15

Originally posted by NorthWestPerm2Contr View Post

b) Ask clientco: What's happening: are you intending on extending? Will that make me look weak and needy?

Not weak at all, as nomadd says, it's properly businesslike.

I normally tell them 4 to 6 weeks from the end of the contract that I'm not looking to take a work break after this contract. If they are interested in extending the contract and can get the paperwork done fairly promptly then I'll let them have first option and I won't be feeling the need to look at other opportunities.

If they can't get their act together then I'm going out into the market where I may come across a better opportunity. That leaves them in the difficult position of having to match the offer or perhaps I would simply decline their offer of a renewal.

I explain the above in a business like manner and take it from there. Also, casually drop into the conversation that the £280/day that the agency is paying you is below market rate too and see how they react. If the agency are screwing you on the margin then it's time to screw them hard at renewal time.

Of course, if you are really unhappy with the job then just look for a new one. If it's only money that bothers you then ask for more - I've had some big payrises at contract renewal time...

**MarillionFan** · 22 December 2010, 22:33

You owe it to yourself to start applying and applying aggressively.

If with a week or two to go, you have nothing and they come back to you. Brilliant. You can try and negotiate.

If with a week or two to go, you have something and they have nothing. Brilliant. You're sorted.

If with a week or two to go, you have something and they have something. Double Brilliant. You have a backup to your negotiation.

If with a week or two to go, you have nothing and they offer you nothing. Not Brilliant.

Keep applying and take nothing for granted.

**realityhack** · 22 December 2010, 23:52

Originally posted by Wanderer View Post

WHS

The biggest rate rises I've ever seen (35%+) are when I genuinely didn't care whether they renewed or not. Do what MF recommended - hunt for new opportunities all the way to D-day. If nothing surfaces, play it safely, if something (or your warchest is 6mo+ and you're ambivalent about the gig), then bluff them.

**NorthWestPerm2Contr** · 23 December 2010, 10:44

Brought up the topic and didn't get a Yes/No answer so its still all up in the air. There are 0 roles now on jobserve due to the xmas period so I am going to relax over new year then start banging the applications out. As long as I have work by the end of Jan/start of Feb then I will be happy.

Thanks all for your answers.

**VectraMan** · 23 December 2010, 13:40

Originally posted by nomadd View Post

Makes you look thorough and professional in my book.

WHS. If you're in a meeting discussing work for the next couple of months it would be downright unprofessional and irresponsible of you not to pipe up and remind them that you're only contracted for the next few weeks. That's how I've always handled it.

Should I bring up the topic of extension?