Prebooked holiday prior to signing contract - what to do

[ChrisM]

Thanks for the input.

Holiday is for 2 weeks and is about 6 weeks into a 3month rolling contract. It is a really good contract that I would like to grab, but cancellation of the holiday isn't an option as my other half can't change her leave. I understand I should be dictating the times I'm available as a contractor but obviously don't wanna rock the boat for when it comes round to contract renewal time.

I think I'm bordering on breaking it to the client after I've signed the contract but what I want to make sure is that can I be sued for breach of contract if I disappear for 2 weeks out of 12 - I'm guessing the answer depends on the wording of the contract.

Chris

[TheFaQQer]

Negotiate it with the client, if it's a long way into the contract; mention it to the agent if it's soon.

Have you got anything lined up? If not, you're a braver man than I in leaving your job with nothing to go to...

[thunderlizard]

Get into a situation where you're just about to sign, then drop it in Columbo-style "just one more thing..." with the agent.

You are giving a couple of months notice so the client won't see it as a showstopper. The agent will be a tiny tiny bit disappointed because it's 2 weeks less commission for him: but the scent of money will be in his nostrils by then so he won't break the deal over it either.

If you try and negotiate it after signing, depending on what's in your contract, the agent could potentially claim against you for failing to provide services over the holiday period

[TheFaQQer]

If they don't like it, then you could always use your substitution clause while you are away.

[snaw]

I've almost always had a holiday booked whenever I've signed a new contract - I've always told them up front and it's never been a problem. If it had been I wouldn' have taken the contracts!

[chef]

Agreed, i'd tell them asap that you'll be "unavailable for work from.. to ... . " i've done it several times, has never been a problem, atleast the agent/client knows this in advance and if its a problem can find a workaround (i.e get someone else in for 2 days or smooth it over with End Business), if you leave it right up to the wire then your dumping your agent/client in the tulip and they wont thank you for it.