Reply to: Early termination of contract due to issue on a work drinks evening

[psychocandy]

I know

It's just that I'm so confident I did nothing wrong, I didn't want to be taken the pi*ss out of. I know we're contractors, and therefore hired help and nothing to do with the company or permies, but that doesn't mean we're not human beings!

And whilst I completely agree with you that I most likely need to just suck it up (again!) and carry on, on the other hand, at what point do you think "Hang on, this isn't because I'm a contractor and it's easy for them, this is just them taking it too far and making a personal/character assassination and I need to do something to ensure my name doesn't get unduly smeared with crap."

But possibly you only did something 'slightly' off that would normally be ignored but they were planning to get of you anyway. So this presents a perfect excuse.

Clients can rid for no reason if they want. Some of them IMHO seem to think they have to justify it for some reason. Perhaps this is the case.

Also, as someone said, your a contractor not a permie. If you did upset a permie even slightly (not saying you did), then they won't get involved in whos right and whos wrong (like they'd have to if it was 2 permies). They'll choose easy option - bye contractor.

[gadgetdude]

And so endeth this thread. OP, you've got enough good advice here, there's nothing more to say. Let it go and focus on the next gig.

Amen to that dude.

Thanks people for all the advice - very helpful, constructive and enlightening

Until the next time...

[Swamp Thing]

As in:

And so endeth this thread. OP, you've got enough good advice here, there's nothing more to say. Let it go and focus on the next gig.

[Old Greg]

I noticed no one actually went for the honesty option

As in:

I got terminated after harrassing the 17 year old admin assistant at a drunken office party, but have been consistently denying it since because they have no proof, but I thought you'd appreciate my honesty.

[gadgetdude]

Also I now have another problem! I may have another contract lined up in my town (so very close to each other really) and have been talking to them about possibilities, they were surprised when I told them my contract *might* be finishing soon.

So, do I continue to fabricate some reason why the contract has been cut short (budget cuts, end of project, etc.) or do I come clean and say "I was accused of something I did (which I didn't) on a works night out and was never given any opportunity to give my comment before they terminated the contract"....

Thoughts people?

I noticed no one actually went for the honesty option

[GB9]

At the end of the day, even if you are innocent, if there is an issue, they will get rid of contractor before permie as they have rights that we don't.

Having said that, to terminate immediately without notice they need to give a reason. They have done so, so what are you going to do? You said nothing, so time to move on.

If you are rich, and really do want to make a fuss, threaten to sue the agency and client for the balance of the contract. That should at least inform you of what you have done.

[Old Greg]

And remember permies can pull out at the last minute.

Probably a good way to increase the company mat leave bill.

[BolshieBastard]

I used to attend 'works' and work related 'social' do's upto 2001. After IR35 came in, dont anymore. Having said that, avoiding 'social' do's can also be seen as a bad thing by some clients since they dont grasp the 'Im a contractor, you're my customer' relationships.

Speaking of relationships, I was in a very nice one with a lurvely woman at one client I worked at. Everyone in the office knew. When they did a office re organisation, they even sat us on the same bank of desks! How sweet was that?

As with all things in life, not everything is black and white.

[SueEllen]

They recruited a permie to take your place.

And remember permies can pull out at the last minute.

[SueEllen]

Yep. Another good reason for avoiding permie socials.

Trick is to go for one and then make your excuses for leaving.

[Old Greg]

"Personality clash"
"The direction of the project wasn't something I was happy in taking"
"Surplus to requirements"

All of those could accurately describe what has happened to you

They recruited a permie to take your place.

[TheFaQQer]

Also I now have another problem! I may have another contract lined up in my town (so very close to each other really) and have been talking to them about possibilities, they were surprised when I told them my contract *might* be finishing soon.

So, do I continue to fabricate some reason why the contract has been cut short (budget cuts, end of project, etc.) or do I come clean and say "I was accused of something I did (which I didn't) on a works night out and was never given any opportunity to give my comment before they terminated the contract"....

Thoughts people?

"Personality clash"
"The direction of the project wasn't something I was happy in taking"
"Surplus to requirements"

All of those could accurately describe what has happened to you

[gadgetdude]

Also I now have another problem! I may have another contract lined up in my town (so very close to each other really) and have been talking to them about possibilities, they were surprised when I told them my contract *might* be finishing soon.

So, do I continue to fabricate some reason why the contract has been cut short (budget cuts, end of project, etc.) or do I come clean and say "I was accused of something I did (which I didn't) on a works night out and was never given any opportunity to give my comment before they terminated the contract"....

Thoughts people?

[gadgetdude]

What does your contract say? If it has a notice period then they have to pay you for that notice period if they terminate the contract without notice.

If it has no notice period then they can just terminate it.

It doesn't mention a notice period

Mind you, I've had a contract in the past terminated, and that did have a notice period, but they just made up a reason that then made the notice period null and void so they get round it one way or another.

In my experience, duration of contracts and notice periods, when you're a contractor, mean absolutely horse sh*t. If you complete a days work, you're a days pay better off. That's as far ahead as you can look and plan imho!

[Wanderer]

Any help/advice would be fab, any legal advice would be fantastic!!

What does your contract say? If it has a notice period then they have to pay you for that notice period if they terminate the contract without notice.

If it has no notice period then they can just terminate it.