Rail Roaded - electronic contract acceptance? fed up

[stillooking]

aHi,
I'm currently considering entering into a short term contract with a big agency, there are however a couple of issues that I'd appreciate some experienced opinion on.

The main issue I have with them is that dealing with the 'resourcer' he tells me just to register/log-in to their portal, in doing so I have found that there is an "accept & click process" for various documents to come 'on-board', my fears were later realised when I see they've automated the contract document to just "click to accept". This is not internet shopping !

What if I don't accept it in it's current form?! Looking through the terms some are are just not acceptable (the usual ones mostly) They also have quite a high 'default' PI value request, which isn't on really. OK, I can walk away, but in my line of work that's difficult at the moment.

So, please has anyone had real-life experience with a 'big agency or other' on this issue? Can we get hold of a normal contract template off them?

thanks in anticipation.

[northernladuk]

Interesting. Automated contracts like this certainly isn't the way to go. Any chance of trying to prove you are a business when following this model of engagement will be difficult if it becomes the norm.

Have you spoken to them about what happens if you query the contract or any other part of the process yet? What about opt in / out etc?

[stillooking]

Interesting. Automated contracts like this certainly isn't the way to go. Any chance of trying to prove you are a business when following this model of engagement will be difficult if it becomes the norm.

Have you spoken to them about what happens if you query the contract or any other part of the process yet? What about opt in / out etc?

thanks - I agree with first para;thing is unless you have a strong set of cards, this will happen more and more.

Re. 2nd para - I'm getting fobbed off I think, chap behind the phone is either ignorant/ innocent, acting stupid or can't be bothered (may be a bit of all three),

re. opt in or out etc - there was various acceptance windows, one of which asked me that question, I clicked opt-in..

[cojak]

Speak to an agent first - this can't be all on-line. Haven't you had an interview for the contract?

[cojak]

They rely on desperate newbies like you to make this carp work.

Sorry to be harsh but that's the truth of the matter - your attitude to roll-over means that they hold all the cards.

I didnt turn up to my current contract until I'd got the contract reviewed - I would have walked away from this one.

[northernladuk]

re. opt in or out etc - there was various acceptance windows, one of which asked me that question, I clicked opt-in..

The plot thickens... You don't have to opt in, you are by default and it also, in the experiences I have had, makes a difference to the contract so be interesting to see how that is handled. Also I thought you had to sign for opt out so not sure how valid clicking a button would be. We could be all wrong and it is actually a very slick system that that does speed up the process... but got this nagging feeling it isn't.

[stillooking]

Speak to an agent first - this can't be all on-line. Haven't you had an interview for the contract?

Phone call with client that's good enough for me. Just looking for input from people, perhaps they can pm me if they're have time? If not I'll leave it.

[cojak]

I was asking because it sounded completely automatic, but you mentioned the agent in your next post so my question was answered.

[stillooking]

The plot thickens... You don't have to opt in, you are by default and it also, in the experiences I have had, makes a difference to the contract so be interesting to see how that is handled. Also I thought you had to sign for opt out so not sure how valid clicking a button would be. We could be all wrong and it is actually a very slick system that that does speed up the process... but got this nagging feeling it isn't.

I would say the overall process could assist agencies, the contract broadly speaking is a generalist one, it's not the worst one I've seen, it touches on temp staff as well as contractors etc., The schedule window refers v.briefly to the assignment. The issue is what if you're concerned with the detail? 95% of temp/contractors don't worry too much, I think.

Thanks again.

[northernladuk]

I would say the overall process could assist agencies, the contract broadly speaking is a generalist one, it's not the worst one I've seen, it touches on temp staff as well as contractors etc., The schedule window refers v.briefly to the assignment. The issue is what if you're concerned with the detail? 95% of temp/contractors don't worry too much, I think.

Thanks again.

Really? I am worried about every word, which is why I have it professionally checked before signature and if it isn't exactly what I want I would be happy to walk. You heard of IR35? Those 95% are what is killing contracting and keeping HMRC at our door IMO.