Contracted hours

**tarbera** · 15 December 2011, 14:56

Originally posted by sqlash View Post

I'm currently on a project where my contract states 37.5hrs a week, normally I do a bit more as I'm there to deliver and not to clockwatch.

Because of poor management setting unrealistic expections we have some very tight deadlines coming up and have basically been asked (but not in writing) to work longer hours.

I spoke to my agency who said fine, just get it it agreed with PM (permie). I got some spiel from him about expecting a certain amount of goodwill and team spirit.

This has peeved me off to say the least. I have worked 48hrs this week to meet an unrealistic deadline.

I'd be interested to know how others have handled these kinds of situations?

Are you on a daily rate (no issue it is expected) if hourly rate just timesheet for 48.

**The Spartan** · 15 December 2011, 15:11

I had a similar issue as we always do our deployments in the evening and they often take a good few hours which is obviously tacked onto the end of the day. If you're on a daily rate you have no real comeback unless you work on the weekend. However if you bill by the hour props to you I wish I had thought of it. Nevermind it's my first contracting gig we all learn from experience.

**sqlash** · 15 December 2011, 15:55

Tarbera/The Spartan -
On a day rate so finding this a bit tricky in 1st contract. Don’t want to throw the toys out of the pram but at the same time want to make this work. I don’t mind putting in a few extra hours and remain professional but as from next week will not work more than 40 hour/week and take things from there and leaving on time today and leaving early tomorrow.
Ash

**The Spartan** · 15 December 2011, 16:15

Originally posted by sqlash View Post

Tarbera/The Spartan -
On a day rate so finding this a bit tricky in 1st contract. Don’t want to throw the toys out of the pram but at the same time want to make this work. I don’t mind putting in a few extra hours and remain professional but as from next week will not work more than 40 hour/week and take things from there and leaving on time today and leaving early tomorrow.
Ash

I know exactly how you feel, seeing as this is my first contract I still had my permie head on i.e. work my hours and then go home. What I've found is if you're on a day rate clients can make certain demands on you that you wouldn't necessarily get when permanent. I personally think it is bad if they're expecting you to work 48 hrs a week for your contracted period. I'd be interested to hear what the more experienced contractors have to say though.

**kaiser78** · 15 December 2011, 16:20

I maintain a daily log of my hours, when started, when finished etc - maybe you could do this if not already, to demonstrate the hours you are doing and unrealistic demands being placed on you. Or ask for a rate rise, or look elsewhere.

**northernladuk** · 15 December 2011, 16:23

Originally posted by sqlash View Post

Tarbera/The Spartan -
On a day rate so finding this a bit tricky in 1st contract. Don’t want to throw the toys out of the pram but at the same time want to make this work. I don’t mind putting in a few extra hours and remain professional but as from next week will not work more than 40 hour/week and take things from there and leaving on time today and leaving early tomorrow.
Ash

This all comes down you your individual outlook on this and also a bit of negotiation with the client. Now before I give advice let me make it clear I do not mind putting the extra hours in to a gig I enjoy and am respected so might be a bit of a soft touch compared to other posters but I don't really have family to have to get back to etc so suits me for the moment.

My intial thoughts are, if it isn't for an extended period then do it. It is your first contract and a bit of hard work never killed anyone but this could lead to them taking the piss out of you or you are the type that doesn't like it so.....

Find out exactly how long this will go on for. You can't make a decision without knowing the facts. Some questionst to ask..

Is it for a week around go live or for the next 6 months?
Are you talking starting a bit earlier and/or staying late or talking about giving up Sat/Sundays?
Can I bill for weekend work or every 8 hours worked?
If not what flexibility do you have to offer? Days in liue etc?

When you know this you have a better idea of what is being asked of you and what your options are..

Your description has far too little detail for any reasonable suggestions.

Get some more data again and you won't get a raft of suggestions that just won't work for you.

**Notascooby** · 15 December 2011, 16:25

Not wanting to soundl like NLUk but there's a few threads covering this and you'll get everything from work to rule to go the extra mile.

Have a look at your contract and see if there's anything about standard working day. e.g. I'm on 37.5 hr week but my standard working day is 9 hours. Therefore until I hit 46 hours I'm not expected to charge for OT but this is stipulated in my contract.

Be pragmatic - is it just for a couple of weeks or is this likely to be on-going? If you think this is the exception rather than the rule then probably best to suck it up but if this looks likely to go on for 3 weeks then it would be worth getting something more formal negotiated with the client co and including the agent so everyone knows what the score is.

If it's evening work, then can you start later, or maybe they have a standard on-call premium that's in place that you can take advantage of.

**northernladuk** · 15 December 2011, 16:34

Originally posted by Notascooby View Post

Not wanting to soundl like NLUk but there's a few threads covering this and you'll get everything from work to rule to go the extra mile.

But you do so..... Haahaaaaa!! You admit I am right!!!!

Giz some well deserved +ve then....

**Notascooby** · 15 December 2011, 16:36

and typed before I even saw your reply...

Contracted hours