Short term contract - is this clause acceptable?

[chris79]

I may be about to start a new contract, indication is it is 6 months but I'm concerned there might not be 6 months worth of work in there. Is it acceptable to put a clause in the contract stating that the full 6 months will be payable should the project finish early? Or something to this effect? I'm willing to take it for the money being offered, but not if 70% through they close the project...?

[Fred Bloggs]

In return do you accept 8 months work for 6 months pay? If so, then it may fly as a fixed price contract bid. Otherwise forget it.

Usual disclaimers apply etc........

[Bluebird]

You could ask for a contract based on a specific deliverable or stages of deliverables - bit like a builder who builds a conservatory, but I would guess you are in the game of supplying a service - if the client has no further need for said service he won't want to pay you - thats why he's using a contractor and not a permie.

[DaveB]

I may be about to start a new contract, indication is it is 6 months but I'm concerned there might not be 6 months worth of work in there. Is it acceptable to put a clause in the contract stating that the full 6 months will be payable should the project finish early? Or something to this effect? I'm willing to take it for the money being offered, but not if 70% through they close the project...?

Doing something like that will land you squarely in IR35 territory. An obligation for the client to pay you even when there is no work makes you look a lot like a permie.

*Hint* If the contract is for 6 months, and the client thinks it will take six months then it is your duty as a contractor to meet their expectations *hint*

[chicane]

I'm concerned there might not be 6 months worth of work in there.

Work at a more leisurely pace?

[Xenophon]

Work at a more leisurely pace?

I'd never do that.

[Spacecadet]

I'd never do that.

over engineer then

[Xenophon]

over engineer then

[Fred Bloggs]

FWIW, my experience of doing 6 months work in 4 months can reward you with another 6 months contract that runs for 7 months the year after. So everyone involved is a winner. It's happened to me twice with two clients.

[chris79]

Hah cheers for the replies guys.. interesting comments. Yeah I guess it's in my best interests to 'project manage' the situation to make sure it is delivered on the 'expected date' then.