Reply to: Hays IT

[Jubber]

Just say no to self billing and send in an invoice. Sorted.

[Fran]

I avoid self billing as it's a step away from opperating as a standard business (isn't it?) and therefore a step towards IR35.

Obviously not an IR35 indicator on it's own, but yet another small thing that could end up hanging you.

[Lockhouse]

The real issue I have with Hays is that they treat you like a temp rather than a contractor per se. They have whole bank HR departments sewn up, give us borderline contracts which in fact make the client less secure against employment claims rather than more and make IR35 passing harder for the contractor concerned. It could all be so different with a little bit of movement from them but they play both sides against each other with no regard apart from their bottom line. To be honest I think there's an element of laziness there as well.

Just my opinion, like.

[XLMonkey]

make sure that what they send you is a legally constructed invoice and not simply a pay slip with a VAT number on it.

this is a particular issue with Hays IT. They have two timesheets:
- a contractors timesheet, suitable for operating through a limited company
- a temporary workers timesheet, which is definitely NOT. This has a clause requiring the client to accept the temporary workers terms and conditions when they sign it (which places you firmly within IR35).

The problem is that Hays are very lax about the self billing arrangement and will accept either type of timesheet, even though the underlying contract terms and conditions are different. Unless you spot it, they will often send you a temporary workers timesheet to use under the self billing arrangement.

You have been warned....

[sidknows]

'I don't like how Hays IT bully you into joining 1 of 4 umbrella companies'

Apparently it is only Hays IT that forces you to do this and not the rest of the Hays group -- quite bizarre as it appears that hays it operates separately from the rest of hays

[Epiphone]

I've not had a single problem with two different systems (Modis & Elan) I also bill and get paid weekly, whats there to be scared of?

They're not Hays though are they.

[malvolio]

Not at all, you tell Hays your VAT number and they will raise an invoice to the client for the "correct" amount.

You will receive a copy of this, and just take a copy to the accountant and bosh job done.

It really is that simple, like ginger says its harmless and easy.

Just don't try for expenses that include a VAT element 'cos as often as not they'll get the VAT wrong, and make sure that what they send you is a legally constructed invoice and not simply a pay slip with a VAT number on it. Plus, of course, you have to accept their Ts&Cs over matters like late or incorrect payments, but you will of course have taken care to agree them in the contract, won't you...

[FiveTimes]

Don't you still have to raise invoices for vat / accountantcy purposes ?

Not at all, you tell Hays your VAT number and they will raise an invoice to the client for the "correct" amount.

You will receive a copy of this, and just take a copy to the accountant and bosh job done.

It really is that simple, like ginger says its harmless and easy.

[LJames75]

I don't like how Hays IT bully you into joining 1 of 4 umbrella companies.

I want to use mine and they won't let me.

So I contacted one of the companies for a quote based on what I was currently earning and using the same amount in expenses,

They said that I could claim up to £21 a day in unreceipted items whether I spent it or not and they added the "extra" to the calculation. Then said how often do I want to be paid. Apparently to be paid weekly It would cost me more than what I am paying my currently umbrella company.

Yes the take home pay was alot more in their final calculation. But it seemed far too dodgy.

Rather to play safe than sorry, so it was a no thank you and I got a contract else where with another agency.

Regards
Lee

[gingerjedi]

I'd bill Hays weekly, less chance of them messing it up and less money outstanding.

I've not had a single problem with two different systems (Modis & Elan) I also bill and get paid weekly, whats there to be scared of?

[Epiphone]

If you are a limited company you don't have to agree to self-billing. You can continue to send in a monthly invoice.

I'd bill Hays weekly, less chance of them messing it up and less money outstanding.

[gingerjedi]

Don't you still have to raise invoices for vat / accountantcy purposes ?

I’ve been self billed for 2 years, I just add my hours online and they send me a numbered invoice receipt with VAT and dates etc included even though I don't actually raise one myself.

I just scan it and send that to the accountant.

I'll be asking how to invoice soon as I’ve never had to before!

[dmini]

I decided against it when offered - it achieved nothing at all. Still send them a timesheet & invoice each week.
I seem to remember when I looked at it, that I would still have to create invoice anyway & put stuff in post to them - so I rejected it.

[Bluebird]

Self billing is really easy (although I'm not with Hays).

With me I complete my timesheet, get it signed on the Monday morning. If the agency has it by noon then I will get the money in the bank that Friday.

Simple as that. No need to raise any paper work yourself, I think they work solely from the timesheet.

Don't you still have to raise invoices for vat / accountantcy purposes ?

[FiveTimes]

Self billing is really easy (although I'm not with Hays).

With me I complete my timesheet, get it signed on the Monday morning. If the agency has it by noon then I will get the money in the bank that Friday.

Simple as that. No need to raise any paper work yourself, I think they work solely from the timesheet.