Contract start date dilemna

[psychocandy]

A.

But to show willing, ask them to send some documentation etc. over so that you can really hit the ground running a week later. You'll do the background stuff that usually takes a day of their time on your own back for free.

Good idea....

[psychocandy]

I'd be tempted to say A - as you say, a client who's that fussed over a week, after you've explained the situation, seems a bit antsy.
But it depends what the day rate is - and if you can defer the training... I'd be more inclined to take it on the chin if your contract more than recoups the cost inside a week - and would put pressure on the training co to slot you in at a later date if possible.

Don't bluff and bluster - explain things clearly to the hiring manager/PM in question if you can. Most reasonable PMs would make do if it's been hell finding resources. Some PMs here may disagree - but I've worked in quite laid-back environments. No experience of SC/DV cleared work though.

Cant reschedule/cancel the training at this late date unfortunately.

[psychocandy]

As others have said, explain you have a previous commitment and will be on site bright and early a week later. You don't have to tell them it's training, you're just not available for business reasons.

More importantly... how did you get that rable to fund training.

If you're made redundant (or take voluntary like I did), Welsh Assembly will fund a training course and associated expenses for you. I think the limit is £2000 now but it was £2500 when I applied (before April).

Of course, one of the conditions is if you dont show for the course, they'll chase you to pay for it which seems fair enough.

Additionally, a new employer can get a grant for £3000 towards first year salary costs too.

[psychocandy]

Are you sure it's the client pushing? Agents are tossers in these situations and in most cases it's agency who is being insistent all for the sake of a weeks commission.

I'd have a chat with the interviewer/client directly to clarify.

Its definitely the client. They mentioned this in the interview.

[psychocandy]

If you are to be a contractor, that means 100% commitment , which means taking option B. I mean, what is the course ? Welsh language ? or the cultural and social impact of speaking in a sing-song voice with spittle flying everywhere ? And £2,500 ? surely if they have gone to all the effort to find you a place, it behoves you to make an equal effort and take the course, its probably an agents deadline and not the clients anyway, so its option A all the way

To be honest mate, I find your post a little immature if not racist.

[MarillionFan]

Cant reschedule/cancel the training at this late date unfortunately.

Well in that case, you're screwed if you and screwed if you don't.

Try and find someone else to take your place on the course. It's free training isnt it. Bound to be someone who'll want it.

[Pondlife]

To be honest mate, I find your post a little immature if not racist.

You're going to need a thicker skin if you're getting offended by that.

Anyways, EO is a scouser and so probably nicked the joke off someone else.

[landl]

How far from the prospective client site is the course taking place?

Just asking because perhaps you might be able to attend the course but leave early each day and do a couple of hours with the client. I'll probably be stoned for saying this, but you might even offer that service gratis as a sign of good will. If the client wasn't happy with this, I'd say they were being very unreasonable and you're probably better off not working with them.

[doodab]

Its definitely the client. They mentioned this in the interview.

That would ring alarm bells with me. It's a sure sign of mongwits being involved somewhere along the line.

[doodab]

Anyways, EO is a scouser and so probably half welsh anyway

FTFY