State of the current London IT Contract Market?

[pastalista]

Market sucks!

I've been submitted for fewer roles this year than in any other in my career (30 years as a contractor). I agree with previous posters who describe the rate clients are moving at as "glacial" and the rates are way on down. I'm forward for jobs at a rate I last earned in 1996 and my expenses are a smidge higher than they were back then. War chest is gone, now selling the higher value stuff we've bought over the years just to survive. I really don't know how this is going to play out but it's not looking good right now.

I interviewed for a role with a consultancy firm 2 weeks ago - they got back to me today to tell me that I've made the shortlist to meet the client, but they won't be putting the shortlisted CVs in front of him until mid June!! And then he has to schedule the meetings and then he has to make a decision.

Most of my last 10 years was spent in the public sector and they aren't exactly overheating the phones to agencies right now. The banking world is closed to me and there doesn't seem to be much else.

When will this nightmare end?

[nomadd]

I've been submitted for fewer roles this year than in any other in my career (30 years as a contractor). I agree with previous posters who describe the rate clients are moving at as "glacial" and the rates are way on down. I'm forward for jobs at a rate I last earned in 1996 and my expenses are a smidge higher than they were back then. War chest is gone, now selling the higher value stuff we've bought over the years just to survive. I really don't know how this is going to play out but it's not looking good right now.

I interviewed for a role with a consultancy firm 2 weeks ago - they got back to me today to tell me that I've made the shortlist to meet the client, but they won't be putting the shortlisted CVs in front of him until mid June!! And then he has to schedule the meetings and then he has to make a decision.

Most of my last 10 years was spent in the public sector and they aren't exactly overheating the phones to agencies right now. The banking world is closed to me and there doesn't seem to be much else.

When will this nightmare end?

Retirement?

Seriously. Surely 30 years "in the game" with some sensible planning should have left you pretty well-off by now. My planning is atrocious, but even so - and with only 23.5 years in the game - I could afford to walk away from it all if I was forced to.

Not trying to be either insulting or provocative, but I'm just a bit confused as to how you have zero warchest and are reduced to selling the family silver after 30 years contracting..?

[DeludedAussie]

I've been submitted for fewer roles this year than in any other in my career (30 years as a contractor). I agree with previous posters who describe the rate clients are moving at as "glacial" and the rates are way on down. I'm forward for jobs at a rate I last earned in 1996 and my expenses are a smidge higher than they were back then. War chest is gone, now selling the higher value stuff we've bought over the years just to survive. I really don't know how this is going to play out but it's not looking good right now.

I interviewed for a role with a consultancy firm 2 weeks ago - they got back to me today to tell me that I've made the shortlist to meet the client, but they won't be putting the shortlisted CVs in front of him until mid June!! And then he has to schedule the meetings and then he has to make a decision.

Most of my last 10 years was spent in the public sector and they aren't exactly overheating the phones to agencies right now. The banking world is closed to me and there doesn't seem to be much else.

When will this nightmare end?

When you die - This will happen quite soon. Hang on in there

[mrdonuts]

maybe if they sent back the non eu programmers there would be some work for the locals

[oliverson]

I've been submitted for fewer roles this year than in any other in my career (30 years as a contractor). I agree with previous posters who describe the rate clients are moving at as "glacial" and the rates are way on down. I'm forward for jobs at a rate I last earned in 1996 and my expenses are a smidge higher than they were back then. War chest is gone, now selling the higher value stuff we've bought over the years just to survive. I really don't know how this is going to play out but it's not looking good right now.

I interviewed for a role with a consultancy firm 2 weeks ago - they got back to me today to tell me that I've made the shortlist to meet the client, but they won't be putting the shortlisted CVs in front of him until mid June!! And then he has to schedule the meetings and then he has to make a decision.

Most of my last 10 years was spent in the public sector and they aren't exactly overheating the phones to agencies right now. The banking world is closed to me and there doesn't seem to be much else.

When will this nightmare end?

And I thought it was just me feeling like this!

You sound burned out to me mate and in need of a change. I think you can spend too long doing the same thing. I spent 11 years in the insurance sector prior to going back to Uni and getting my Comp degree. I've now spent 11 years in IT the majority contracting. Time for me to move onto something else - use the IT skills in a different field. I can't imagine doing the same thing for 30 years. You need a change I think.