4 to 6 contract, then permanent

**SpontaneousOrder** · 4 March 2014, 22:37

Originally posted by onthegreen View Post

Hi all,

I got an offer today for joining ntt data in london. They offered 4 to 6 months contract and then permanent if everything goes fine.

I wonder if this normal. Job is interesting for me but i am currently permanent employed for 5+ years so i am not sure to take the risk.

Why did they opt for this formula? Isnt the same of a permament contract with probationary period of 6 months? Are they disguising a 12 month probationary period?

I am just trying to figure out whats behind. Any idea?

Thanks all

Maybe they aren't entirely confident yet that the role you;re being lined up for will exist in 6 months time. I.e. some new venture that could possibly tank leaving them having to make redundancies?

**onthegreen** · 4 March 2014, 22:57

Originally posted by SpontaneousOrder View Post

Maybe they aren't entirely confident yet that the role you;re being lined up for will exist in 6 months time. I.e. some new venture that could possibly tank leaving them having to make redundancies?

They mentioned they were not sure i could fit the profile as i wasnt having experience in the industry

**SueEllen** · 4 March 2014, 23:38

I find that dodgy.

They either have the work AND budget to make you permanent or not.

**northernladuk** · 4 March 2014, 23:42

Well you know for sure it's an enduring role so it's going to be caught by IR35 for a start. Sounds like they want to try you out and fill a hole while they decide what to do. You are getting the arse end of everything there. The very best you can do is start the contract and be thankful for every day you can bill. They will have no quams about binning you if you are not needed or are not up to it.

A contractor may take this risk and then just say no thanks to the perm work, apart from the IR35 problem of course. If you are a permie looking to move to another permie role then this is incredibly risky for you. They have everything they need in place to bin you on the spot as they see. All the flexibility on their side and a wish and prayer on yours I would say.

Is it a day rate or a pro rata yearly rate?

**onthegreen** · 5 March 2014, 07:43

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Well you know for sure it's an enduring role so it's going to be caught by IR35 for a start. Sounds like they want to try you out and fill a hole while they decide what to do. You are getting the arse end of everything there. The very best you can do is start the contract and be thankful for every day you can bill. They will have no quams about binning you if you are not needed or are not up to it.

A contractor may take this risk and then just say no thanks to the perm work, apart from the IR35 problem of course. If you are a permie looking to move to another permie role then this is incredibly risky for you. They have everything they need in place to bin you on the spot as they see. All the flexibility on their side and a wish and prayer on yours I would say.

Is it a day rate or a pro rata yearly rate?

It is pro rata yearly.

What I am trying to understand is why this is different from a permie contract with a 6 months probationary period. Probably HR process is different or will need a headcount approval to offer a permie contract.

**kevpuk** · 5 March 2014, 09:31

Originally posted by onthegreen View Post

It is pro rata yearly.

What I am trying to understand is why this is different from a permie contract with a 6 months probationary period. Probably HR process is different or will need a headcount approval to offer a permie contract.

FTC, then....

**BlasterBates** · 5 March 2014, 09:34

Sounds like it is very uncertain. If you have a good job stick with it. If they want you as perm they should offer perm, not a short term contract.

My suspicion is that in 6 months time they'll offer you a new contract extension, not a perm job.

I would only consider this if you really don't expect or don't mind looking for work in 6 or 12 months time.

View it as a contract not a perm job.

The advantage to the company is that the probationary period is indefinite, so if they need you for 9 months they can offer you a 3 month extension.

**riffpie** · 5 March 2014, 09:56

Originally posted by onthegreen View Post

Hi all,

I got an offer today for joining ntt data in london. They offered 4 to 6 months contract and then permanent if everything goes fine.

I wonder if this normal. Job is interesting for me but i am currently permanent employed for 5+ years so i am not sure to take the risk.

Why did they opt for this formula? Isnt the same of a permament contract with probationary period of 6 months? Are they disguising a 12 month probationary period?

I am just trying to figure out whats behind. Any idea?

Thanks all

I've had agents give me the "this can go permie if you're good!" line in the past. I think they're conflating 'contractor' and 'temp worker', and remembering that 'temp to perm' is an attractive thing to some temps.

**DirtyDog** · 5 March 2014, 10:01

So, if everything goes "fine" they will "reward" you with another permanent job.

If you want a contract, get a contract; if you want a permie role, get a permie role. This looks like the worst of both worlds.

4 to 6 contract, then permanent