Notice Period on Contract

**psychocandy** · 12 March 2012, 10:05

Originally posted by Flyby27 View Post

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum so I hope that this is the right place for the thread. I've just been offered a 12 month contract at a not too fantastic rate but just about okay. So far so good but here's the question. When the agent sent me the schedule the termination conditions are not reciprocal. They can give me one week's notice however I cannot give notice at all. In other words if the place turns out to be a concentration camp then I have no option but to remain there for the full 12 months.

I've been contracting for 7 years and it's the first time that I've came across this. I could just about live with it on something like a 3 monther but a year!! There doesn't seem to be any room for negotiation on this, am I being unreasonable in my expectations?

Any thoughts appreciated.

Not unknown for notice periods to be not reciprocal.

You say no room for negotiation? and you've been contracting 7 years....

You could just say to agency - now way matey....

**northernladuk** · 12 March 2012, 10:23

Happen to be a large financial client? A number of them are doing this. It's pretty normal to stop people taking average rates and bailing when they feel like it.

**Bexter** · 12 March 2012, 10:41

I've found this confusing in the past too, as my contract says the same thing. I argued it with my agent, and he insisted they wouldn't change the contract, but it didn't actually mean I couldn't leave. I didn't really believe him, but to be fair, I did hand my notice in and it was fine, I wasn't held to what it said in the contract.

However in future I will insist it is changed, cause I never felt comfortable about it.

**psychocandy** · 12 March 2012, 11:56

Originally posted by Bexter View Post

I've found this confusing in the past too, as my contract says the same thing. I argued it with my agent, and he insisted they wouldn't change the contract, but it didn't actually mean I couldn't leave. I didn't really believe him, but to be fair, I did hand my notice in and it was fine, I wasn't held to what it said in the contract.

However in future I will insist it is changed, cause I never felt comfortable about it.

You believed what the agent told you?????

You might have handed your notice in but it just means agent/client couldnt be arsed to try and enforce it.

Ultimately, everything is negotiable. If you dont like it dont sign it. If you're desperate for money, really want the gig you might have to sign it if they wont budge. Would be wary though.

**BolshieBastard** · 12 March 2012, 12:01

Sounds like barcrap. You wont get (or is highly unlikely) reciprical termination out of them.

Apparently they 'like' contractors to fulfill their contracts but have no qualms about termination early or changing rates part way through a contract.

**Vandalay** · 12 March 2012, 15:59

There are a few financial services institutions who do this, the last one I came across was Standard Life. Not a problem if you are on a good rate doing something you don't hate, but the terms are from from ideal. Name another industry where you're not allowed to quit?

**Bexter** · 12 March 2012, 17:17

Originally posted by psychocandy View Post

You believed what the agent told you?????

I know, that was my first mistake! 2 years on, I like to think I'm a bit wiser, but some days I'm not so sure!

**stek** · 14 March 2012, 13:11

I just got one of these! 7 days for them to terminate, entire period of contract for me, three months initially. With IBM.

Rate is good though, and my SC would kick in again which would be useful......

**psychocandy** · 14 March 2012, 15:54

Originally posted by stek View Post

I just got one of these! 7 days for them to terminate, entire period of contract for me, three months initially. With IBM.

Rate is good though, and my SC would kick in again which would be useful......

3 months not too bad. I'd do that if the rate was good. Whats the worse that could happen?

Anyway, surely with MOO you could just decline to show up after a bit?

Notice Period on Contract