Combining contract and perm jobs

[Ignis Fatuus]

The short answer is that there is no law against it, but it may be prohibited by the employment contract. Even if it isn't, the employer may take exception to your arrangement. Even if they don't, they may take exception to the practical effect on your work for them.

[SueEllen]

The complication comes when you are on flexi-time, or you do a little bit of contract work while being paid by the permie job.

The first isn't a complication as long as you do the hours you are contracted to. I know people who have and do do this with their employer's knowledge. However the second would fall under gross misconduct and be a sackable offence.

One of the main issues not mentioned is that the poster could be doing work for a competitor in the specialist markets his employer operates in. This would be a strict no-no which why the permissions are needed.

[TheFaQQer]

Trying to claim income from work you do for a different employer would be unenforceable.

The complication comes when you are on flexi-time, or you do a little bit of contract work while being paid by the permie job.

Yes, the perm job won't have a a 100% workload, so I can utilize a free time to accommodate a contract(or agree on flexi conditions).

If you do that, then the permie job could very well end up owning the copyright of the work, which would then entitle them to charge a licence fee from anyone who uses the work. Make sure you keep an accurate log of exactly when you are doing the contract, but it could get to be incredibly messy.

[SueEllen]

The last permie contract I had stipulated that I had to ask permission to take on other work, and if it was IT related they would be entitled to any income earned from it.

Trying to claim income from work you do for a different employer would be unenforceable.

However depending on your work and contracted hours they have a right to get you to seek permission.

[NotAllThere]

Most permie contracts require that you ask permission before taking on any other work.

Before you take the permie job, inform the prospective employer that you have a ltdco, and do some work through that. Tell them the nature of that work, and ask if they've any objections. You may be fortunate, they may say that it isn't possible. If the latter you could use that as leverage for a better remuneration package.

You are unlikely to have to say anything to client of your contract work.

[Sysman]

Have you read the perm contract very carefully? Many do not accept second jobs while you are employed.

The last permie contract I had stipulated that I had to ask permission to take on other work, and if it was IT related they would be entitled to any income earned from it.

[VectraMan]

But I'm asking not to how to fit 2 jobs in one week(it's purely my time management issue), but how to legally make it possible and if any complications can occur as a result of this. Any advice?

Aside from the issue of you losing the permie job if they find out what you're up to, no. You won't have two employments. There's no point registering your Ltd. for PAYE, just collect the money in your company account and pay yourself a dividend as and when it suits you and sort out any tax via your self-assessment.

[cojak]

Yes, the perm job won't have a a 100% workload, so I can utilize a free time to accommodate a contract(or agree on flexi conditions). Alternatively I can make use of my evenings/weekend time to do my contracting bit.
But I'm asking not to how to fit 2 jobs in one week(it's purely my time management issue), but how to legally make it possible and if any complications can occur as a result of this. Any advice?

I would have both contracts reviewed by Bauer & Cottrell and seek their advice on this. Even if we were experts in this area we wouldn't be able to give sensible advice without knowing what the contracts contained.

[kingcook]

Yes, the perm job won't have a a 100% workload, so I can utilize a free time to accommodate a contract(or agree on flexi conditions). Alternatively I can make use of my evenings/weekend time to do my contracting bit.
But I'm asking not to how to fit 2 jobs in one week(it's purely my time management issue), but how to legally make it possible and if any complications can occur as a result of this. Any advice?

What does it say in both contracts?

EDIT: Sorry, just realised NLUK asked a similar question above

[Goggy]

Are you expecting to do 5 days at the perm and try slot the contract on in somehow?

Yes, the perm job won't have a a 100% workload, so I can utilize a free time to accommodate a contract(or agree on flexi conditions). Alternatively I can make use of my evenings/weekend time to do my contracting bit.
But I'm asking not to how to fit 2 jobs in one week(it's purely my time management issue), but how to legally make it possible and if any complications can occur as a result of this. Any advice?

[northernladuk]

Is the perm a part time job as well?

If you are going to ask complex question you have to be clear. What does 'Therefore as it stands now I'll have two employments in my Ltd+ from my perm job.' mean and what you do mean combine the two? Surely the perm job has it's own contract between you and your employer and your contract gig is a separate entity. So where is the 'combine' come from?

Are they the same client?

Have you read the perm contract very carefully? Many do not accept second jobs while you are employed.

Are you expecting to do 5 days at the perm and try slot the contract on in somehow?

Not sure how you are going to pull this off if you can't clear articulate your situation.

[eek]

Hi
I have two offers for contract and perm jobs. Contract is for 2-3 days a week only & work from home and therefore I'm quite keen on accepting both.
To accept contract I should have my Ltd company that I'll open.
Therefore as it stands now I'll have two employments in my Ltd+ from my perm job.

Can there be any legal problems with combining two jobs contract and perm( apart from the time management) ?

Yes the reaction of the permie company based on their T&Cs

[Goggy]

Hi
I have two offers for contract and perm jobs. Contract is for 2-3 days a week only & work from home and therefore I'm quite keen on accepting both.
To accept contract I should have my Ltd company that I'll open.
Therefore as it stands now I'll have two employments in my Ltd+ from my perm job.

Can there be any legal problems with combining two jobs contract and perm( apart from the time management) ?