Something you will all be interested in

[Mordac]

Shhh. Don't say S3, say XX.

[Lucy]

Computer People

This is slightly along the same lines as agency tools and tricks so I thought I'd mention it.

When I was looking for a contract CP would never ever return my calls. About a week after I started, they phoned and asked 'if I was available etc etc' I said, no. They have phoned three times since then trying to find out where I am, when I'll be available... It all seems so co-incidental, or not Can't help thinking I'm on a list of 'leads'...

[Mordac]

Computer People always ask for references up front (it speeds up the process don't you know). I don't like their self-billing system, and their contracts are generally way inside IR35. So I don't bother to return their calls, and if I do answer the phone to them, conversations are generally short. Saves a lot of trouble later.

[Theinformer]

Leads!!

you will be on a list of leads lucy.

chances are most of the calls you'll be getting will be late afternoon to evening. this is so that when they come in the morning they have whats called "hot potatoes" to call through.

Have any of you had the lame trick of "oh are you working for mark smith" tried on you.

god knows why its even tried. we're meant to make up a name so contractors come back and say no my manager is XXXXX XXXXXX. but half the time people just say nope havent heard of him. however its not unusual for our managers in XX to stand over us saying no it always works on contractors.

XX group uses contractors as peices of meat. considering one of the people that started the group was at one point a freelancer, i think they show blatant disrespect for what is our bread and butter business.

[cojak]

You, my Good Man ,have now been included in halo'ed territory. An agent who's been (generally) welcomed into the CUK fold. A friend for DA...

You'll need your thick skin when here, but I'm sure you're up to it.

[Lucy]

You, my Good Man ,have now been included in halo'ed territory. An agent who's been (generally) welcomed into the CUK fold. A friend for DA...

You'll need your thick skin when here, but I'm sure you're up to it.

Yes !

Welcome

[cojak]

I would, however, recommend that you don't post at work - they will find you out and destroy you...

Leave it and post at home on the odd evening.

You're more valuable where you are.

[Theinformer]

dont worry.

I've got the day off today. apparently i've got a really bad case of the flu.

cant see it personally but you know what these managers are like these days. ever so generous with allowing you free time to recover. Pratts.

So here's another little snippet of info for everyone. only a small one but it does sometimes catch people off guard and kind of makes them feel like they are compelled to give the info up as they are held to ransom.

certain companies in XX say they need references before submitting for roles as it is "group policy". This is absolute bullish. There is absolutely no part anywhere saying that. because half of the XX staff havent got a brain between them, put them on the spot and say, "well i trust that its in your T's and C's that you can send over to me immediatley. I am in front of my outlook now so you can do it straight away." My friend who is a contractor said this to a girl i work with. I was listening in on the call and the poor bitch tulip herself.

Everythin XX say to you, ask for it in writing. This puts the fear of god into them. and as for IR35, dont get me started on that. we are even told to make sure we avoid contractors that want to opt in at pretty much all costs.

thats all for a while. i can *cough* * cough* feel my flu coming back.

[Money Money Money]

dont worry.

I've got the day off today. apparently i've got a really bad case of the flu.

cant see it personally but you know what these managers are like these days. ever so generous with allowing you free time to recover. Pratts.

So here's another little snippet of info for everyone. only a small one but it does sometimes catch people off guard and kind of makes them feel like they are compelled to give the info up as they are held to ransom.

certain companies in XX say they need references before submitting for roles as it is "group policy". This is absolute bullish. There is absolutely no part anywhere saying that. because half of the XX staff havent got a brain between them, put them on the spot and say, "well i trust that its in your T's and C's that you can send over to me immediatley. I am in front of my outlook now so you can do it straight away." My friend who is a contractor said this to a girl i work with. I was listening in on the call and the poor bitch tulip herself.

Everythin XX say to you, ask for it in writing. This puts the fear of god into them. and as for IR35, dont get me started on that. we are even told to make sure we avoid contractors that want to opt in at pretty much all costs.

thats all for a while. i can *cough* * cough* feel my flu coming back.

Surley anyone from your office will blatently know who you are!?!?

[cojak]

This ain't a small agency we're not talking about here!

Infoman (I like the ring to that..) is one ant among many...