Barclays Contracts ?

[efcfan]

I have been offered a 2nd interview with Barclays for a "6 month" contract at Radbroke Hall, but have been informed by the agency that Barclays insist that they can terminate the contract without notice, whereas the contractor has to complete the contract and cannot give notice.

Has anybody else experienced this sort of thing with Barclays ?

[The Agents View]

I have been offered a 2nd interview with Barclays for a "6 month" contract at Radbroke Hall, but have been informed by the agency that Barclays insist that they can terminate the contract without notice, whereas the contractor has to complete the contract and cannot give notice.

Has anybody else experienced this sort of thing with Barclays ?

Afraid so. We do work with Barclays on a different basis (we're not a recruitment supplier to them ultimately) - but they dictate the terms as you state above. Unfortunately the rest of the industry bent over and took it when it was introduced, meaning that everyone else has to as well.......
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

[northernladuk]

I have been offered a 2nd interview with Barclays for a "6 month" contract at Radbroke Hall, but have been informed by the agency that Barclays insist that they can terminate the contract without notice, whereas the contractor has to complete the contract and cannot give notice.

Has anybody else experienced this sort of thing with Barclays ?

I would guess everyone that has gone for a role at Barclays has!

I think the potted history is..

They walked all contractors around xmas a year or so ago. Realised they couldn't manage so opened up contract positions again a few months later at ridiculously low rates (up to £150 a day less than before). Raft of contractors came back with no other intention than to use it is a stop gap until a properly paid position came up and then left. Barclays wised up, put the rates up to normalish levels to keep their guys and in the meantime closed the notice period to stop people using them as a stop gap.

That is how I saw it.

[mouseorgan]

Yep. I had an interview for a job at Radbroke hall last week too, doesn't sound like th same thing, this was 9 months.

But speaking to the agency contact I was dealing about the realities of this all / nothing thing, she said that whilst it is binding, at the human level if you want to get out you usually can.

[worzelGummidge]

I would sign the contract with your eyes wide open.
It's a bit of a sweat shop but does have some good people working there and nice countryside round about.

[downsouth]

my exp of this 'no notice term' is that is negotiable, I was sold on the fact its no notice either way, so might be beneficial if you can terminate with no notice and leave straight away but a few contractors at present are working a notice period (@4 weeks) after being told their contracts are being terminated.

If 'no notice' is good then go for it, else negotiate

[downsouth]

also remember Barclays have a @52week contractor rule, bet they haven't told you that (certainly in part of bank where i am) tis extendable with serious hoops to jump through so most of the time you leave unless project seriously requires you

[mouseorgan]

my exp of this 'no notice term' is that is negotiable, I was sold on the fact its no notice either way, so might be beneficial if you can terminate with no notice and leave straight away but a few contractors at present are working a notice period (@4 weeks) after being told their contracts are being terminated.

If 'no notice' is good then go for it, else negotiate

No, it's not "no notice" mutually. it's "no notice" for them to ditch you, but "infinite notice" from the contractors position.

[AussieDigger]

Yeah, the posters are right. I've done several contracts there and its a good place to get some experience and people work quite hard. But the 52 week rule is the norm although there are some exceptions. The easiest thing is to leave, do something else, and then go back.

At the end of the day, if you really wanted out of your contract there, they usually won't stop you if you're fairly genuine and good about it. If you are messing them around they'll remember and be difficult about it.

[Notascooby]

This seems to be getting copied, both the no notice and the 12 month rule.
Did someone leave Barclays and join Standard Life?