Enforced Xmas not working - penny pinching clients

[psychocandy]

Never understood this. If the whole building is closed and/or there is really no work on then fair enough. We all sign up to this - no work, no pay etc.

But never understood why some clients like to penny pinch at this time of year and try to shave a few days off for their contractors? In the scheme of things, 3 billable days between xmas and new year surely aint going to break the budget.

Place I worked at as a permie was even worse. All contractors had to take 3 weeks off over xmas because the company didn't think much work got done at this time of year (which is what they actually said to them!). 3 weeks is a big chunk of income so obviously contractors were well pissed off with this and a bit put out with the suggestion that they weren't worth their rate at this time of year. Didnt see how this was going to be effective with the bad feeling it caused.

Yes, I know this is the deal, client can do what they want. But imagine if it was the other way around and client wanted something important on 30th dec and contractor said not coming in. Quite within their rights to do but it wouldn't go down well.

Certain clients seem to want it all ways. Work done on time but saving a few quid.

[TestMangler]

I was told when i started this gig that contractors were not to work from 21/12 to 5/1.

I was more than happy with that.

Unfortunately, they've changed their minds and raised a 'waiver' for some of us.

Would rather have the time off.

[ambient]

On the other hand, it's a great pointer to being outside IR35, particularly if the place doesn't close down completely over Christmas (as an employer couldn't force an employee to take holiday in those circumstances). This is the lack of MoO that we're surely all striving for.

Besides, it's only a few days, and you deserve a rest don't you? :-)

[JamJarST]

It's not penny pinching, it is good business planning and management IMHO. They know that their permie staff is either away or not as productive during that period and that their ability to manage their contractors is probably limited. Added to that is the fact that some of the permies will be firefighting due to lower staffing, they decide not to run the risk of paying us to take the piss and goof off, or be less productive due to bottlenecks in management and process.

[escapeUK]

I think if contractors miss 3 weeks of money they need to look at their overall finances.

Isnt part of the idea of being a contractor to earn more money and therefore achieve a better work / life balance?

[The Spartan]

I think if contractors miss 3 weeks of money they need to look at their overall finances.

Isnt part of the idea of being a contractor to earn more money and therefore achieve a better work / life balance?

It is for me but I have worked with some contractors who are MGB's (Money Grabbing B*****ds) and will work constantly without any holiday and if a client offers overtime will be in there like a rat up a drainpipe

[formant]

I've had more of an issue with this as a permie. Being forced to take a considerable portion of your holiday allowance whether it suits you or not sucks.

In a better position now. The permie team will be mostly off during those two weeks. I was told I can work if I feel like it, or take time off as well. I'll only be working on the 31st I decided. Should be a quiet day.

[psychocandy]

I was told when i started this gig that contractors were not to work from 21/12 to 5/1.

I was more than happy with that.

Unfortunately, they've changed their minds and raised a 'waiver' for some of us.

Would rather have the time off.

EXACTLY. If it suits clients then they'll expect you to change plans.

[psychocandy]

On the other hand, it's a great pointer to being outside IR35, particularly if the place doesn't close down completely over Christmas (as an employer couldn't force an employee to take holiday in those circumstances). This is the lack of MoO that we're surely all striving for.

Besides, it's only a few days, and you deserve a rest don't you? :-)

Good point....

[psychocandy]

It's not penny pinching, it is good business planning and management IMHO. They know that their permie staff is either away or not as productive during that period and that their ability to manage their contractors is probably limited. Added to that is the fact that some of the permies will be firefighting due to lower staffing, they decide not to run the risk of paying us to take the piss and goof off, or be less productive due to bottlenecks in management and process.

One way to look at it I suppose if that happens. The way I look at it is theres a chance to catch up on things whilst the office is empty

In terms of good business from the client, I guess they think, save a few days money then hassle said contractor to work extra hours in january to catch up anyway.

Makes sense if you manage to get contractor to do so. Not me though.