Reply to: Signing a contract extension

[LondonManc]

The term HMRC use is 'expect' which is very grey could be argued if you've got over 24 months budget you'd expect a contractor to stay.

Just a fun pedant point.

Surely it's when the contractor knows rather than the client?

If I'm a programme manager with a 30 month project, I'll be offering 3 or 6 months at a time depending on how the people and the project is going. Once it gets nearer to two years, I'd expect as a contractor to be looking for the exit or to be negotiating WFH or some other way of lowering expenses; if the client wants to keep me, they'll acquiesce. That said, I wouldn't expect the client to know about the 24 month rule, given that many contractors don't.

[northernladuk]

I never knew officially. I actually only did 22 months there I think In any case. That included the 18 months.

The term HMRC use is 'expect' which is very grey could be argued if you've got over 24 months budget you'd expect a contractor to stay.

Just a fun pedant point.

[radish2008]

That could have really screwed you over WRT the 24 month rule if you'd found that out 6 months in!!!

Sometimes it's better to not know lol.

I never knew officially. I actually only did 22 months there I think In any case. That included the 18 months.

[billybiro]

I'll be honest - that's correct.

So surely the resolution is clear?

You get the new/extension contract from the agent then tell them that you're getting it reviewed and will let them know once that's concluded - something you'll be able to drag out for a week or so.

They may insist that the terms and conditions are the same as the previous contract, so you simply say that you're sure they are and you'll give the agent/client an answer once your solicitors have confirmed that.

Simples.

[northernladuk]

Even better if you know the guy who handles the budgets - I found out I was extended for 18 months even though they renewed every 3, just because the budget had been signed off.

That could have really screwed you over WRT the 24 month rule if you'd found that out 6 months in!!!

Sometimes it's better to not know lol.

[radish2008]

One thing you have to learn about contracting is there is no 'normal'. My PS client were discussing renewals in the first month of a three month gig. If you knew the right people you'd have a couple months of knowing one is coming. I've done a gig where they kept finishing me on a Friday and then calling on Monday to say the extension was though can I come in. There is everything in between....

Even better if you know the guy who handles the budgets - I found out I was extended for 18 months even though they renewed every 3, just because the budget had been signed off.

[Mincepie]

I would say if the notice period is short on the extended contract cover your bases and sign it. If you get a better offer then you can decide to stay or serve notice (if its reasonable).

[LondonManc]

monthly

Fair enough. Just checking that they weren't messing you around.

Are the reasons for leaving major or would you see a six-month extension out?

[ndl]

Are you contractually on monthly or weekly terms?

monthly

[LondonManc]

This is being done on a monthly basis by my manager's manager's manager's manager. Don't ask

Are you contractually on monthly or weekly terms?

[ndl]

You can't get hold of your hiring manager? Who authorises your timesheets?

This is being done on a monthly basis by my manager's manager's manager's manager. Don't ask.

[SueEllen]

This is exactly what I did. I told the agency that I want to speak to my manager (which I honestly can't get the hold of) about the future plans and where is the company going and that I will have an answer right after I talk to him. Which should be this week or next.

You don't need to tell the agency that you just do it as a matter of course.

[LondonManc]

This is exactly what I did. I told the agency that I want to speak to my manager (which I honestly can't get the hold of) about the future plans and where is the company going and that I will have an answer right after I talk to him. Which should be this week or next.

You can't get hold of your hiring manager? Who authorises your timesheets?

[ndl]

You should put some feelers out e.g. find out for the client the timeline of the project you are working on.

To be honest you should do that before you accept the contract and regularly through out the contract. That way even before the agency speaks to you you know roughly how the project is going.

This is exactly what I did. I told the agency that I want to speak to my manager (which I honestly can't get the hold of) about the future plans and where is the company going and that I will have an answer right after I talk to him. Which should be this week or next.

[SueEllen]

I'll be honest - that's correct.

You should put some feelers out e.g. find out for the client the timeline of the project you are working on.

To be honest you should do that before you accept the contract and regularly through out the contract. That way even before the agency speaks to you you know roughly how the project is going.