Newbie Question

[The Agents View]

Would this not put the agents (and the clients) nose further out of joint? Committing to 12 months and leaving after 3?

It shouldn't - it depends on the culture of the business - if the client understands that contracts are only as long as their notice period (which is how they SHOULD understand/use contractors), then they shouldn't be put out at all. Of course, it all depends on how professional you are at the exit point.

[The Agents View]

And what if OP's notice period is 4 weeks? It would be hard to find a client who would wait for this amount of time (hard, not impossible though).

I've assumed it's a week, based on the fact that he/she is a newbie, and the contract is only 3 months (If I was a client, I'd want 1 week at the most on that kind of contract). If it's 4 weeks, then negotiate it down to 1 or 2 weeks - both are far more manageable.

[Ketchup]

I've assumed it's a week, based on the fact that he/she is a newbie, and the contract is only 3 months (If I was a client, I'd want 1 week at the most on that kind of contract). If it's 4 weeks, then negotiate it down to 1 or 2 weeks - both are far more manageable.

I have just reviewed my contract, it says 1 week. Sounds like the best option to take the 12 months then. I can always find a reason i had to leave so as not to upset the client too much.

[Ketchup]

Following the advice from the good people on contractor uk, the development manager asked me my thoughts, i told him i would be happy to extend my contract for a further 12 months in principle. He then went on to say "well as we are guaranteeing 12 months work, would you be willing to negotiate on rates", i said i thought my rate was at the lower end of the spectrum and suggested any discussion regarding rates should be done through the agent

[kingcook]

Following the advice from the good people on contractor uk, the development manager asked me my thoughts, i told him i would be happy to extend my contract for a further 12 months in principle. He then went on to say "well as we are guaranteeing 12 months work, would you be willing to negotiate on rates", i said i thought my rate was at the lower end of the spectrum and suggested any discussion regarding rates should be done through the agent

You are right to direct the client to the agent, as their contract is between each other. However, you're now in a situation where the agent could be receiving less so will want to pass that on to you i.e. you will receive less (yes i know it's stating the obvious).

It's your cojones on the line, it's up to you how you play it. Good luck

[CodeCobbler]

Bare in mind that I'm a total n00b imbecile.
I don't think 290 is that bad a rate (outside of London) given I haven't seen much beyond this rate, £250 - £350 seems more inline with current demand. Compare this to my expectations from 5 years ago when it was more like £400-500 for .net skills.

[Sausage Surprise]

Hello,

I am new to these boards, I am a .net developer. I took the plunge from permie to contractor in april and have yet to regret it. My current contract isnt at a great rate (290pd) but they waited 6 weeks for me to leave my permie role.

As it's your first role, I'll guarantee that you're being fleeced by the agent who'll be coining nearer £400 per day (minimum) That's why he's telling you the market is dead and to take the renewal.

[mudskipper]

As the client is talking about rate, I'd suggest you make sure the client knows what you're getting - it could be that the agent is fleecing you both.

[northernladuk]

As the client is talking about rate, I'd suggest you make sure the client knows what you're getting - it could be that the agent is fleecing you both.

I don't totally agree with this. What you get is generally between you and the agent. You risk involving the client in business he shouldn't really be in and also may not want to be in and could end up taking a dim view of you both.

Yes if you are thinking of walking due to the agencts carry on you might want to mention it bue it is not something you would do lightly IMO. The client pays the agent and agreed rate for the right person, who duely turns up on site. Dragging him in to your rate discussions can end up working against you as well as you. This should be done when all avenues have been closed to you with the agent IMO.

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

I don't totally agree with this. What you get is generally between you and the agent. You risk involving the client in business he shouldn't really be in and also may not want to be in and could end up taking a dim view of you both.

Yes if you are thinking of walking due to the agencts carry on you might want to mention it bue it is not something you would do lightly IMO. The client pays the agent and agreed rate for the right person, who duely turns up on site. Dragging him in to your rate discussions can end up working against you as well as you. This should be done when all avenues have been closed to you with the agent IMO.

WHS

Also this might be in your contract.....