"Fixed-term" vs casual contracting

[tamper]

Sound like a crap deal to me...

The idea of a fixed term contact paying pro-rata sound weird - even so, going on what i've seen on the job boards before, someone who could command £475 a day could expect 60-65k and bonus on a permi style wages, not 42k.

Yeah - that's what I worked out too. I guess my fear at this stage is that the £475 is freakishly high (beginner's luck!) and that I really should be lowering my sights. Having said that, I do have 10 years' experience, and when I've freelanced under my own business (as opposed to being a lone contractor) I've charged £600/day no problem.

It's just that the phone hasn't exactly been ringing off the hook...

[threaded]

Don't fuss about the phone not ringing off the hook. If you would like that to happen just send your CV to every agent on Jobserve.

From what you say, £600 a day on your own account, £475 via an agent, you are pitched just right.

[tamper]

Don't fuss about the phone not ringing off the hook. If you would like that to happen just send your CV to every agent on Jobserve.

From what you say, £600 a day on your own account, £475 via an agent, you are pitched just right.

Hope so. It's a bit tricky cos I'm not an IT developer. I'm a creative, and there aren't as many decently-paying gigs around for us lot!

[Alexander Coe]

Personally never heard of a fixed-term contract before - might be worth asking the agent the same question

[threaded]

I've heard the term, "fixed term contract", before, but only used on newbie contractors.

It is a real thing in employment terms too. A fixed term employee should get the same things as a permie: pay, conditions, holidays, pension payments.

But, I have never heard an agent when discussing a "fixed term contract" actually mean the same thing as a "fixed term contract" under employment law.

[DimPrawn]

"fixed term contract" is agent speak for:

Temporary permie role paying permie rates but without the perks (holiday, sick, pension etc).

Therefore about as attractive as the Rochdale Swamp Donkey.

Barge Touch Pole Don't

[Fleetwood]

Yours mate it with I touch wouldn't

[tamper]

I've heard the term, "fixed term contract", before, but only used on newbie contractors.

It is a real thing in employment terms too. A fixed term employee should get the same things as a permie: pay, conditions, holidays, pension payments.

But, I have never heard an agent when discussing a "fixed term contract" actually mean the same thing as a "fixed term contract" under employment law.

I think this is the case here, i.e. there are permie-style benefits on offer. However, my argument is that when applied to a period of just 6-months these benefits are pretty much meaningless.

[ratewhore]

Ex-colleague of mine told me he was contracting and when I questioned him it turned out he was on a 9 month fixed term contract. His 'rate' was equivalent to a permie so i just laughed at him pretending he was contracting. He's one of those with a 'I have a mortgage to pay and I need to accept no risk' attitudes who shouldn't really go near contracting. I even showed him the calcs and tried to explain risk/reward...

[NoddY]

Fix-term 'contracting': all the negatives of permanent work, without any of the benefits; all the disadvantages of proper contracting without the financial rewards. Don't be a fool.