Terminating A Contract Before Initial Term

[MyUserName]

I have had 40 hour a week contracts with breaks on top of that. Currently I have a 7.5 hour a day contract with breaks on top of that. I take an hour lunch to train and end up coming and going 9-5.30.

The permies do not do the same they normally leave early but I think they come in early and do not take much of a lunch break, I think. I don't know. I don't care either.

The idea of being told I had to take lunch breaks at my desk would bring me out in a fit of laughter. That is insane!

[Contractoid]

I have had 40 hour a week contracts with breaks on top of that. Currently I have a 7.5 hour a day contract with breaks on top of that. I take an hour lunch to train and end up coming and going 9-5.30.

The permies do not do the same they normally leave early but I think they come in early and do not take much of a lunch break, I think. I don't know. I don't care either.

The idea of being told I had to take lunch breaks at my desk would bring me out in a fit of laughter. That is insane!

This is my first ever contract in 12 years where the client has pursued a daily or weekly hour agenda either directly or indirectly and lessons have been learned! I know times are tough and sometimes you have to compromise but any hourly based commitment for contract / project work is a really bad place to be regardless of any IR35 implications. Not in all cases, but its a pretty strong indication of one or both of -

• The culture is all about old school "bums on seats" and less about delivery.
• There is already a tension between permies and contractors. The management are not competent enough to deal with it so they go with the lazy solution of securing consultant visibility through the contract.

Based on my experience my advice would be as follows. Im guessing most of you like me check your contract thoroughly for any nasties before signing anyway. If you have an intermediary Agency involved between you and your primary Agency specifically ask for any terms they have agreed in their contract with them that affect your day to day work environment, especially working hours etc. If there are any hourly commitments or expectations involved either directly or indirectly implies my advice is to walk away (actually run away), you are likely setting yourself up for a stinker engagement where your delivery quality will be irrelevant and you will be treated like a lepper by disgruntled permies.

[SueEllen]

The idea of being told I had to take lunch breaks at my desk would bring me out in a fit of laughter. That is insane!

I would mention Healthy and Safety Regulations verbally and in writing, contact the agency and walk.

Some of us have old injuries and conditions that means if we spend too long sitting down we seize up.

It's legally non-negotiable that if your work mainly involves you working with a VDU i.e. PC, laptop you are legally entitled to rest breaks, and the best way to get a worker who doesn't try and sue your ass is to allow them to take the breaks when they want and how they want within reason.