Office Intimidation - Contractor Rights?

[Contractoid]

Further to my previous threads, the climate at my current client is turning rather nasty and i’m in the process of considering my options. The client is aware i’m seeking an alternative contract. All interviews i’m doing are being done outside of normal work hours or else i’m booking half days off. Yesterday I arrived at the office to be informed by another Contractor that my boss had been openly discussing the fact that I was attending interviews (despite the fact I have not formally told anyone here that I am doing so). This is being done in a derogatory fashion and calling into question my personal integrity. I am also aware of various gossip going on regarding this subject which management are actually adding to (as per above) and not preventing. I believe this constitutes some form of slander.

Aside from the company provided laptop I bring in my own business laptop. I use this with my own mobile dongle to connect to the internet (ie – its completely isolated from the client’s network). I spend roughly 30 minutes or so during the day checking emails. Yesterday I got a comment that I should do this at lunchtime only. I am pretty sure this was prompted by yet another swipe from one of the permies here. I am treating this now as going beyond normal office politics, this is a clear case of personal intimidation.

I realise I have less scope for dealing with this as a contractor but was wondering if anyone has suffered similar treatment and (other than walking) what steps they took?

[LisaContractorUmbrella]

Further to my previous threads, the climate at my current client is turning rather nasty and i’m in the process of considering my options. The client is aware i’m seeking an alternative contract. All interviews i’m doing are being done outside of normal work hours or else i’m booking half days off. Yesterday I arrived at the office to be informed by another Contractor that my boss had been openly discussing the fact that I was attending interviews (despite the fact I have not formally told anyone here that I am doing so). This is being done in a derogatory fashion and calling into question my personal integrity. I am also aware of various gossip going on regarding this subject which management are actually adding to (as per above) and not preventing. I believe this constitutes some form of slander.

Aside from the company provided laptop I bring in my own business laptop. I use this with my own mobile dongle to connect to the internet (ie – its completely isolated from the client’s network). I spend roughly 30 minutes or so during the day checking emails. Yesterday I got a comment that I should do this at lunchtime only. I am pretty sure this was prompted by yet another swipe from one of the permies here. I am treating this now as going beyond normal office politics, this is a clear case of personal intimidation.

I realise I have less scope for dealing with this as a contractor but was wondering if anyone has suffered similar treatment and (other than walking) what steps they took?

So you are being paid to work on a contract but are not happy so have been attending interviews for other contracts and the people you work with have been discussing this fact and you were told off for answering non work emails during work time by the people who are paying you to work there and you think that you have a case for intimidation and slander?

Are you freakin kidding me

[Antman]

Tell 'em to eff off, but I'm sure someone will correct me on this course of action.

[nomadd]

So you are being paid to work on a contract but are not happy so have been attending interviews for other contracts and the people you work with have been discussing this fact and you were told off for answering non work emails during work time by the people who are paying you to work there and you think that you have a case for intimidation and slander?

Are you freakin kidding me

My thoughts exactly. ^

[northernladuk]

From the other threads it sounds like you have made a huge rod for your own back here so you have to shoulder some of this and should have expected some fall out when you try and impose your will on a client that doesn't want it. There will always be friction. Contractors are not generally eyed in the best of lights before they even walk on site.

You do have moan about it a lot and you also have the the right to walk, thats about it.

I believe this constitutes some form of slander.

LOL! You also have the option to man up of course.

[quackhandle]

Until you leave be professional at all times. Keep invoicing.

HTH and good luck.

qh

[northernladuk]

Until you leave be professional at all times. Keep invoicing.

HTH and good luck.

qh

That boat has well and truely sailed.........

[Support Monkey]

If your intent on leaving why do you care what they say, stop messing about with all this loooking for contract whilst still in one, strap a pair on, stick in your notice and get the hell outta there.

[BrilloPad]

I realise I have less scope for dealing with this as a contractor but was wondering if anyone has suffered similar treatment and (other than walking) what steps they took?

Personally I have never been there as I tend to get a certain reputation. But if I were in your shoes I would start a series of practical jokes targeting those who have offended you most. Make sure you don't get caught!

Its not nice. But life is not fair. Soon you will have a new gig and you will be happy!

And next time, never ever tell anyone you are interviewing elsewhere.

[BolshieBastard]

So you are being paid to work on a contract but are not happy so have been attending interviews for other contracts and the people you work with have been discussing this fact and you were told off for answering non work emails during work time by the people who are paying you to work there and you think that you have a case for intimidation and slander?

Are you freakin kidding me

Tut, tut Lisa! For pulling someone over 'their' incorrect spelling of 'there,' there's a tad too many 'and's in that one humongous sentence, don't ya think?