Reply to: Taking a day off

[BR14]

One day off sick in last 5 years. Arse problems - say no more. I was in hospital mind - back next day in office. Not cool being on train with bad arse mind next day - that was not cool.

Yes, i suppose those helpdesk seats aren't too comfortable, really.

[northernladuk]

One day off sick in last 5 years. Arse problems - say no more. I was in hospital mind - back next day in office. Not cool being on train with bad arse mind next day - that was not cool.

Should spend less time talking out of it then....

[psychocandy]

One day off sick in last 5 years. Arse problems - say no more. I was in hospital mind - back next day in office. Not cool being on train with bad arse mind next day - that was not cool.

[ladymuck]

You wouldn't happen to be from the south would you?

Oi! I resemble that remark

[northernladuk]

Must be my age but when I get a bad cold/flu, I feel like death so I just take the time out because I know I'm not going to be up to speed & my performance will drop off. More likely to struggle in if I'm on a Mon-Fri nightover type contract & my accommodation is paid up for the week though

You wouldn't happen to be from the south would you?

[Unai Emery]

Ok I know I'm being a bit pedantic about this but I didn't go in to work one day because of dreaded man flu. yes I know as a contractor you have to be on deaths door to take a day off!

Anyway I informed the client I wouldn't be in and also the contract stipulates I inform the agency. I did not inform the agency the reason why. I had emails and voicemails asking me to explain why I wasn't in from the agency.

They said because I work for them I have to give a reason. So this is where my bolshiness kicks in. I know out of courtesy I should and in fact I did tell the client, but am I really under obligation to say why?

I don't necessary have a problem with it, but there may be times where you may not to say why.

Must be my age but when I get a bad cold/flu, I feel like death so I just take the time out because I know I'm not going to be up to speed & my performance will drop off. More likely to struggle in if I'm on a Mon-Fri nightover type contract & my accommodation is paid up for the week though

[BR14]

I would let agency know out of courtesy. To be honest I am only ever telling the client out of courtesy as well considering I am working for myself

EDIT: saying that you mention it was in the contract - well its no longer a courtesy... you should of told them

The clue is in the phrase "contracting"

I have never had this in a contract myself.

yeh, - coarse he should of!

[dx4100]

I would let agency know out of courtesy. To be honest I am only ever telling the client out of courtesy as well considering I am working for myself

EDIT: saying that you mention it was in the contract - well its no longer a courtesy... you should of told them

The clue is in the phrase "contracting"

I have never had this in a contract myself.

[psychocandy]

Nah I never tell the agent. As long as client is happy.....
If agent had phoned me and wanted more of an explanation than "ill" I'd have told them to do one.

Did have one agent who insisted I get them to agree to days off. I said no I will sort with client, but I will inform you when Im off if you like. Umm OK they said. So first time I take a week off, sorted with client, email the agent to let them know. Response comes back "yes I can authorise that". Jeez ok I'll let it go.....

[boxingbantz]

Contract notwithstanding, it's generally the working practices that drive who I inform. Most gigs have minimal agency contact once I'm in place so I don't bother keeping them informed of non-chargeable days. They just care my approved timesheet matches my invoice.

This.

As long as my timesheet matches that's all they care about.

[boxingbantz]

I never bother informing the agency of anything - once I'm on site I deal directly with the client, as generally the agency don't care.

But, if they've kicked off - well, they're right, aren't they - the contract is between you and them. Hardly a big deal.

This.

Been contracting for ten years and never informed an agency of anything - sickness or leave.

Pretty sure my contract says to inform client within a 'reasonable time', too.

[northernladuk]

Sounds like he did inform the agency that he was going to be, but not the specific reason why.

Which would make this an even more stupid situation to be in.

It's the bolshiness in him.

[jmo21]

Anyway I informed the client I wouldn't be in and also the contract stipulates I inform the agency. I did not inform the agency the reason why. I had emails and voicemails asking me to explain why I wasn't in from the agency.

Sounds like he did inform the agency that he was going to be, but not the specific reason why.

Which would make this an even more stupid situation to be in.

[Lance]

Contract notwithstanding, it's generally the working practices that drive who I inform. Most gigs have minimal agency contact once I'm in place so I don't bother keeping them informed of non-chargeable days. They just care my approved timesheet matches my invoice.

I too do this.

The fact that, in this case, the client informed the agency speaks volumes. Clients only talk to agencies when they want someone, or want rid of someone.

[ladymuck]

Contract notwithstanding, it's generally the working practices that drive who I inform. Most gigs have minimal agency contact once I'm in place so I don't bother keeping them informed of non-chargeable days. They just care my approved timesheet matches my invoice.