IT Contracting Market in Manchester

[stek]

I thought BarCap were winding down that place in Cheshire

I still get stuff coming though, all via BobCo though odd rates, most unfeasibly low, some unexpectedly decent, but I've given up on BobCo's now - I was warned here and it's all true! Last one didn't even call for the arranged telephonic interview aka grilling...

[MyUserName]

Am I reading this correctly in that you want to start contracting in an area that is not your main skill? If so, that will be a challenge.

I got my first contract when I was perm but I was on a 1 week notice and they needed longer than that for the paperwork anyway and I got on well with the team, the manager and already knew some of the team members who recommended me. Waiting for you for a month? Not likely, even if you are perfect I would still be suprised.

After that there was a timing issue with payments and the paternity leave I had arranged for my newborn son was something they had not heard of as the agent lied through his teeth when he said he had spoken to them and they agreed to it (plenty of clients would have just canned me at this point!). Overall I got paid a week's worth of money for the five weeks (inc commuting to London etc) and then the money came through to my company and it took a bit of time to get it through to me. Luckily I was being underwritten by my father in law so I had a cushion. Make sure you can easily handle set backs like this, in the scheme of things this was nothing compared to what happens to some contractors!

[sirja]

What contract market in Manchester?

Chance a client will hold a gig open for 4 weeks, pretty slim.
Chance a newbie can get a gig where a client will hold a gig open for 4 weeks rather than take a contractor with years of experience that can start immediately, nil.

It is going to be extremely hard and frustrating to try dove tail a gig with a notice period from perm. If you are going to go contracting you need to make sure you have a big warchest, 3-6 months at least, pack your job in and then start looking. You are also going to have to be flexible and look at a 1 to 2 hour commute if you intend on doing it properly. Working away during the week may even be something you have to do if you want to be in end to end gigs. You can't just walk out of a perm job in to a contracting career on your doorstep I am afraid.

That's exactly what I did when I started contracting 7 years ago. I secured a contract role, they agreed to wait 2 weeks. I was on 4 weeks notice but also had 2 weeks of holidays, so was able to work just 2 more weeks, then off to the new contract role. Of course that only worked because I had the unused holiday time

[tranceporter]

I still get stuff coming though, all via BobCo though odd rates, most unfeasibly low, some unexpectedly decent, but I've given up on BobCo's now - I was warned here and it's all true! Last one didn't even call for the arranged telephonic interview aka grilling...

Problems with Bobco's is that they do not respect a human being. All they see is a pot of money, and they just want to use it the best way possible, so that it grows into an even bigger pot. Interviews etc, are at the bottom of the rung when it comes to making money. Utter rubbish

[Mephisto]

I've just started a new gig in Wythenshawe and ironically my last one was Sheffield.

Haven't worked in or around Manchester since Radbroke in 2011 and city centre back in 2005 when I was still a temp though I have interviewed a handful of times in the last 12 months. Fierce competition!

Poor rates and not a lot of it around the NW it seems.

[northernladuk]

That's exactly what I did when I started contracting 7 years ago. I secured a contract role, they agreed to wait 2 weeks. I was on 4 weeks notice but also had 2 weeks of holidays, so was able to work just 2 more weeks, then off to the new contract role. Of course that only worked because I had the unused holiday time

You just have to watch that your perm contract doesn't allow you to take on other employment while still employed with them though.....

[BigRed]

I'm glad it's not only me that finds Manchester difficult. In reply to OP I was made redundant so that gave me my pot and some time to look. First contract was 6 weeks in Milton Keynes, after that it's been relatively smooth sailing but a lot of travel. Currently in Sheffield but rubbish rates.

I think the best strategy is to say you are immediately available provided they are OK with you decking your current manager.

[kevpuk]

You just have to watch that your perm contract doesn't allow you to take on other employment while still employed with them though.....

A very good point - most permie contracts will not allow other work whilst on hols.....I know that my 4-week notice period could've been shortened by taking accrued holiday, but it was made quite clear that I could not commence other work during the holiday time.

[northernladuk]

A very good point - most permie contracts will not allow other work whilst on hols.....I know that my 4-week notice period could've been shortened by taking accrued holiday, but it was made quite clear that I could not commence other work during the holiday time.

Indeed... and don't forget to check the handcuff clauses as well!!

[BoredBloke]

Indeed... and don't forget to check the handcuff clauses as well!!

Just take a tulip on your line managers laptop. Stick your finger in it and write your resignation letter on his desk, not forgetting to sign it and squash the lid down. You'll be out before you know it. References might be a problem though.