Anyone contract through Hays

[Wanderer]

I think there are too many things adding up to make this not worth the hassle and worry

Make sure you contact the client and make it clear that the reason they can't recruit and retain skilled people is because of their policies about only engaging contractors as disguised employees rather than allowing them to be in business on their own account.

Of course, the government won't give a tulip about all this because it drives contracts into the hands of the big consultancies (which have MPs on their payroll) and squeezes us freelancers out of business.

[Akeap]

I did an NHS (strictly speaking an arms length body of DH but with NHS branding) gig via Hays. There was a bit of paperwork but they were fine.

PM me if you like.

Hi I tried to PM you but you have a full mailbox

[Epiphone]

This is the tail wagging the dog. Cross out anything temp-like on the contract. Sign on behalf of YourCo and invoice like mad.

[andyg]

I recently worked through Hays and although they issued the Schedule of Work before the contract, that came after I had started working on the Client site, they paid weekly and never missed a payment. I dealt with someone called Arti throughout the contract if I ever had an issue and she was great. I also had to visit one of their offices in person to show my passport.

[Anonimouse]

Lucky you. Twice I have been 'tuped' to them mid contract and they don't pay! The second time I had to take legal action to get what was owed.

I was recently onsite for a very large IB some staff were hays, those of us not got paid bank holidays hays staff didn't.

If we did OT we got full rate hays only got it if they worked a full week following OT, so if bank holiday ie Easter they lost the OT.

I can't afford to work for them

[quackhandle]

I've had some excellent work through Hays

Pay weekly and are big enough not to go bust (probably)

I have no problem with jumping through their hoops if it gets me work.

This. Although when being pimped by them last year on a PS gig, my contact hadn't a clue about the recently introduced IR35 contractor rules.

qh

[kingcook]

I recently worked through Hays and although they issued the Schedule of Work before the contract, that came after I had started working on the Client site, they paid weekly and never missed a payment. I dealt with someone called Arti throughout the contract if I ever had an issue and she was great. I also had to visit one of their offices in person to show my passport.

Do you really think it's a good idea to start doing some work in our field before seeing a contract? I would not (although to be honest I did stupidly do this on my very first contract years ago).

[Support Monkey]

Started a contract through Hays last week, I could have started the week before but they said they had to do the paperwork first, (with every other agent its been "see you Monday"), I think they are more geared towards PAYE and Umbrella temps as they supply loads to the client i am working at, they asked me for passport and loads of documents and form filling and i had to go to their office which i have never done for any Agency in 15 years.

Having said that they have been very efficient, the contract is outside IR35 and working practices appear to be ok so far, they do appear to be quite tied into the client, (probably due to the amount of temps their supplying) and you have to follow their proceedure for timesheets and expenses which is shown on a client specific website however they do show the procedure for both temp payroll and Ltd company and i have had to ask several question of their client/agent liason (not the person i was dealing with initially) and they have come back to me same day, i sent my first time sheet Friday and it was authorised within the hour and this then generates the self billing invoice, not seen this yet but it all appears to be working so far

So although they seem a bit hot on the papwerwork and a bit more temp orientated i don't yet see them as being any better or worse than most of the other agencies i have worked for, obviously i shall report back if/when it all starts to go south

[CloudWalker]

NHS contracts are ok but are a lot cheaper than the good old days
not sure of IR35 as I was umbrella then

[kingcook]

I'm currently waiting for Hays to send me a contract through for a new gig. Apparently, their computer automatically sends out the schedule once they have all of the paperwork back and other boxes ticked, like they must speak to my previous 2 clients first.

I'm aware of agency tricks and references and trying to poach for business. Agent reassured me that he will not do this. I've been in-touch with my 2 refs and have told them that the agent should not be asking about new business! We will see what happens on that front...

Anyway, i've told agent that there is no way i'm starting this contract without the paperwork checked and signed. Hopefully he's going to get his arse in gear.