Reply to: Signed Contract 2 Months in Advance of starting

[Eirikur]

Agent is working to get me something else!!

Don't believe for a second he is. Just continue applying using other agents

[Spikeh]

Agent is working to get me something else!!

Don't believe that - it might be true, but its your own responsibility to source work. Get on the job boards and apply to other roles with lots of different agencies.

Never, ever rely on a single agency - there's very little loyalty in recruitment - you're just 30% to them.

[northernladuk]

There's always someone falling for this, isn't there?

Falling for what?

[NotAllThere]

I once waiting three months before I could start a contract. Waiting to security clearance. I got really good at Worms Armageddon.

[quackhandle]

There's always someone falling for this, isn't there?

There's so many noobie contractors out there. I ask them pertinent question ranging from IR35, running at LTD and using recruitment pimps.

I usually get blank looks in return. The reason they went contracting? "Cos, I'd worked with some contractors. It seemed a good idea."



qh

[washed up contractor]

Signed for a contract to start 2 months prior to start date. The client is not now ready for me to start until 6 months after start date, where do I stand financially? Thanks.

There's always someone falling for this, isn't there?

[BR14]

While you wait, I have some magic beans for sale, £1000 a bean, I can do you 8 for £10,000, you seem like a nice trusting young man

OI! - i've got the magic bean concession on here! don't try muscling in, or there WILL be borra!

[tarbera]

Agent is working to get me something else!!

While you wait, I have some magic beans for sale, £1000 a bean, I can do you 8 for £10,000, you seem like a nice trusting young man

[ladymuck]

You could ask for a retainer, if you really want to see if they're serious about giving you the work. Say you'll offset it against billable time when the contract starts.

Keep it on the back burner but tell the client that you may be unavailable if they can't confirm a specific start date and stick to it. Find a short term gig that has potential to be extended but could equally end in line with the new start date.

Go on holiday until the gig starts.

Cancel the contract and get something else.

[TheCyclingProgrammer]

What's your notice period? Unless its longer than 2 months (which would be pretty silly), you could give them notice now and starting looking for another contract.

Alternatively, don't give them notice but keep it on the back burner. Try and find an interim contract.

Personally, I'd go back to the client and re-negotiate terms so that they have to give me 1 month notice (or whatever my notice period would be with a second client) to start if they want you to start before a certain date. I'd tell them this is because you want to seek another contract in the interim and need to be able to give the other client sufficient notice if they want you to start. I'd guarantee I will be available on an agreed start date 6 months from now and ensure that whatever I sign with another client takes that into account.

TLDR; think like a business. It's annoying but see this as an opportunity to find other work now with some work in the pipeline 6 months for now.

[Somersetsid]

Agent is working to get me something else!!

[Lance]

what they said.
Don't forget to terminate the contract formally though.

[doconline]

Signed for a contract to start 2 months prior to start date. The client is not now ready for me to start until 6 months after start date, where do I stand financially? Thanks.

Looks like the contract is dead in the water, but let the client know that should you be available in 6 months time you would be happy to consider the contract again. In the mean time look for something else, you are available immediately I take it, so that should stand you in good stead with potential clients.

Financial wise, you haven't done any work, so unfortunately there isn't any recompense for your company unless there are stipulations in your contract (extremely unlikey / nearly unheard of).

[VillageContractor]

There won't be any contract, you won't get a penny from it.

Forget about this contract, apply for other roles, move on and keep invoicing.

This. Start looking for other roles

[tarbera]

post a copy of your bank statement

post a copy of your bank statement and we can tell you

you are not getting a red dime from the contract you signed