Contract end dates

[platforminc]

Hi All

Just here to seek advice on a contract renewal, after being renewed for another 6 months, I was told by management that although there is funding for 6 months, in real life the actual date will be 6 weeks before the last day of the 6 month duration (31st December). Apparently, this is due to the way thier financial reporting works, the last 6 weeks of the year falls into next years budget. Now the agent has sent me the paperwork to sign with end date of 31st December. Do I have to worry about anything here or simply just sign it ?

[northernladuk]

Well the excuse about the dates does hold some water. It would be daft of someone to spend 6 weeks of next years budget when it is so close, particularly with so many big companies having to work at slimming budgets. Could also be someone has put '6 months' in without thinking about it instead of saying 18 weeks. Doesn't seem inconceivable but if an agents lips moved while telling you this I would be inclined to be a little concerned.

You could have a little word with the client just to make sure this is in fact correct. Try to be discreet along the lines of ' Boy this finish 6 weeks early due to financial systems here is a funny one isn't it' and see if the hiring manager flinches at it. If he doesn't then there you go. If he looks shocked he might actually be paying the agent too much.

I can't believe for one minute the agent is pulling a fast one and pocketing the 6 weeks.

Also at end of day if the client wants you to finish at 2.43pm on xmas eve then that is his choice. All you have to do is make sure the agent is right.

[platforminc]

Thanks for the reply, its actually not the agent saying this. Its the hiring manager, its like the agent has just turned a blind eye. Also, its not just me who is affected, its all contractors.

What they saying is that 6 weeks from 31st Dec, even though we guarantee that you will work till the 31st, on your contract it will state Mid November.

Well the excuse about the dates does hold some water. It would be daft of someone to spend 6 weeks of next years budget when it is so close, particularly with so many big companies having to work at slimming budgets. Could also be someone has put '6 months' in without thinking about it instead of saying 18 weeks. Doesn't seem inconceivable but if an agents lips moved while telling you this I would be inclined to be a little concerned.

You could have a little word with the client just to make sure this is in fact correct. Try to be discreet along the lines of ' Boy this finish 6 weeks early due to financial systems here is a funny one isn't it' and see if the hiring manager flinches at it. If he doesn't then there you go. If he looks shocked he might actually be paying the agent too much.

I can't believe for one minute the agent is pulling a fast one and pocketing the 6 weeks.

Also at end of day if the client wants you to finish at 2.43pm on xmas eve then that is his choice. All you have to do is make sure the agent is right.

[SimonMac]

In fairness a contract is only for as long as the notice period, I would "plan" on it ending mid November, if you get another 6 weeks out of it bonus.

[platforminc]

In fairness a contract is only for as long as the notice period, I would "plan" on it ending mid November, if you get another 6 weeks out of it bonus.

Thats a fair point, as a contractor you could well be told that your last day is T + 4 weeks (lets say you have a 4 weeks notice period) even though your contract is for 12 months or even more.

[northernladuk]

Thats a fair point, as a contractor you could well be told that your last day is T + 4 weeks (lets say you have a 4 weeks notice period) even though your contract is for 12 months or even more.

Not quite correct. They can walk you out there and then and claim MOO. Notice period is for permies. If you get one and they honour it think of it as a bonus.

My last gig gave long contracts and actively used the notice period as the normal way of ending a contract. You were more likely to be given notice than you were see the contract out.

[northernladuk]

Thanks for the reply, its actually not the agent saying this. Its the hiring manager, its like the agent has just turned a blind eye. Also, its not just me who is affected, its all contractors.

What they saying is that 6 weeks from 31st Dec, even though we guarantee that you will work till the 31st, on your contract it will state Mid November.

What makes you say the agent turned a blind eye? It has nothing to do with him. He is the clients puppet just after the commission. If bending you over a barrel and rogering you was part of the spec and the agent got his cash he would be ok letting your client do it.

Where is this gaurantee?? In writing, verbal? Doesn't sound very good. Contracts have a habit of not being honoured so a gaurantee wouldn't fill me with confidence. Wouldn't gauranteeing you work also have an IR35 implication???

Mid November seems about right as well, just enough time to cull before change freezes/quiet periods and to help balance the numbers before year end if their figures don't look good.

[Willapp]

In fairness a contract is only for as long as the notice period, I would "plan" on it ending mid November, if you get another 6 weeks out of it bonus.

WHS.

Your contract finishes on whatever date it says on the contract. Forget the other 6 weeks unless they offer a contract extension at the time, otherwise you start looking for a new contract just as normal.