Reduce 1 contract to take on another - Opinions

[topper]

Not 'Yours' personally.

I'm not arguing, just reasoning, I just cannot believe that not 1 person would go for this! I'm aware of IR35 risk but am also aware of PCG+ Membership!

[nomadd]

Not 'Yours' personally.

I'm not arguing, just reasoning, I just cannot believe that not 1 person would go for this! I'm aware of IR35 risk but am also aware of PCG+ Membership!

With all due respect to the PCG, they won't cover you in any shape or form if they don't think your situation warrants it. And having been a contractor for such a short period of time (as you have) and now going back to work for your permie employer seems to be just the thing the IR would look for (as many posters have pointed out.)

But from your replies, you seem to be certain of your situation - so why create a thread on it? Just simply go with it and see what happens. But, as I mentioned, be prepared for your current client to show you the door. Or maybe not. You won't know until you "go for it."

Contracting really is that simple.

[topper]

True, cheers!

Just to put a different slant on the original question, what would be the general consensus if the new offer wasn't from an ex-employer?!?!

[JamJarST]

Not 'Yours' personally.

I'm not arguing, just reasoning, I just cannot believe that not 1 person would go for this! I'm aware of IR35 risk but am also aware of PCG+ Membership!

No you are arguing, be honest you have already decided to do it and just want us to vindicate your decision.

[JamJarST]

True, cheers!

Just to put a different slant on the original question, what would be the general consensus if the new offer wasn't from an ex-employer?!?!

If the prospective new client was making this part time arrangement an requirement of me securing the full time arrangement, then I think I might be inclined to not accept it. That is just my view on it, I lie to keep my options open and i Might not want to be "pushed around" like that. That is just my gut feel though.

[BlasterBates]

The fact that this was your ex-employer I would say wouldn't necessarily to count to IR35 mainly because you've been away from your employer for sometime, and I agree with the argument that having two clients at the same time is a huge plus point, I would also push to work from an office, preferably not a home office. You may be able to rent a room in business premises somewhere. Once you've got that I would imagine your IR35 defences would be impregnable. Even better do it fixed price. These sort of arrangements would be much easier to negotiate with a client who knows you and really want to work with you.

It looks like HMRC are beefing up their IR35 investigations so now's a good time to run faster than the other Gnu's.

[northernladuk]

You are new to contracting and it is tough out there. I would get some solid contracts under my belt so I can be a contractor. Having one gig and then going back to your employer will not help your cause once you get back on the bench IMO. Forget the ex employer and be a contractor first.

[topper]

Cheers Guys, I certainly haven't made my mind up, nor do I come here to justify my decision, but may have to say no to this offer after considering the reasons specified here, will see what the contract says when it lands in my inbox before discounting it.

[Contreras]

In practise it depends whether your ex-employer treats it as a genuine b2b relationship or re-hiring you as temp employee - if the former then HMRC can huff and puff all they like. If it bothers you then contract the "ex-permie" gig through an umbrella and adjust the salary/dividends from YourCo accordingly.

It's a completely separate issue to the multiple clients question though. I would echo MF's comments on that point having tried it once, but tempted to try again. Having 2 clients on the go means if one falls through then income doesn't take such a hit and you may also be able to increase workload on the remaining contract(s) to compensate.