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[avonleigh]

No I wasn't benched. Have worked continually since Covid. Just been looking for permie roles for long time whilst I was still in a contract....

[avonleigh]

Couldn't agree with this post more. I don't think the contract market will ever come back. Unless there is something major like Y2K, which is highly unlikely. But if you have specialist skills you will be fine but most of us don't. On ageism, I thought I wouldn't find a permie job at 55, was looking...

[avonleigh]

There are jobs but still only a slight improvement on the last 3 years imho. Also the problem is there are so many people out of work currently, it's astonishing. Every other person I see on LinkedIn seems to be 'open to work'. I also saw somebody post a PM contract the other day and had 435 CV's in...

[avonleigh]

Done a lot of public sector roles over the years. One time I was on a 12 month role. Used to walk past this lady's desk when I needed to go to lunch / toilet etc. Every time I would see her playing solitaire on her pc pretty much. A lot of people in the public sector are doing nothing but don't leave....

[avonleigh]

Have always used Hiscox

[avonleigh]

I have interviewed before and never had an issue with it. As others have said this alone would not put you inside IR35. On the flip side, if you refuse it could annoy your manager and see you as being awkward. All depends on what your manager is like though. Never can tell.

[avonleigh]

Umbrellas are much of a muchness. You won't get a better payout as you say from one of them over another. The rules are the same for all. All that is difference is the amount they charge you to use their service. But again they are usually very similar. You just need to chose one with a good reputation...

[avonleigh]

They changed the rules. There used to be no restrictions on where you could go with SC. But now there are 10 countries you aren't allowed to at all. They did tell me when I had my interview but they don't seem to be publish the list. AI says this "For security clearance holders, countries to generally...

[avonleigh]

Congratulations SchumiStars. You certainly deserve it.

[avonleigh]

The CEO for Cisco was on BBC news this morning. He said AI will be bigger than the internet and said you shouldn't worry about AI taking your job. You should worry about people who can use AI taking your job. So basically embrace it or you will become obsolete....

[avonleigh]

Worked with all three. Paystream were very good, and didn't have any issues with Giant either. Brookson is a whole different ball game. They were absolutely dreadful. Not one month was I paid without issues. Was forced to use them but wouldn't touch them with a barge pole in future....