Tulip Rates?

[Erebus]

It's OK for graduates who need a portfolio and can get regular work at that rate. Otherwise it could end up falling short of a perm salary with lots of dry periods factored in between contracts (although maybe at that rate there wouldn't be!).

If it's local and a long contract it could be worth it. It is I think a tad too low though. Not as bad as the agent who not only called but text and emailed me continually offering a £175pd rate for something miles away. And yes I told him he was having a laugh and where to take the rate from the off!

[MyUserName]

A year or two ago I got a call from an agent offering £300pd in central London for someone with 10 years of C++ and investment banking knowledge.

I laughed ... however, now things seem to have gotten worse!

[The Spartan]

I always base my rate on:

Location
Commute
Type of work
Expenses

Type of work can be quite a big one as I wouldn't expect the client to pay as much for manual testing as they would for automation or performance testing, so it can vary quite a bit I've seen gigs in London for £250 a day for automation but I doubt anyone in their right mind would take them, as I hear trying to find dev's in test for roles is like looking for rocking horse tulipe at the moment.

[ELBBUBKUNPS]

Rates do appeared to have gone soft more so in central London / city, there is alot more people around these days who will take these rate. I was looking to go back contracting and quit my permy role but the rates around at moment doesnt make it worth it.

[Erebus]

Good grief, here's an example for you:


Mobile Application Developer
Location: Northamptonshire
Duration: Contract
Rate: £150 - 250
Length: 2 months (with a view to extend)