breaking contract?

[fridge]

Be professional at all times. You may have a clause in the contract that makes you responsible for the agents costs if you break the contract.

[lukemg]

I have never walked from a contract, despite provocation in some cases. If it says 6 months, that's what I work. I may start looking with 4 weeks to go but I wouldn't leave early except for very extreme circumstances.
I feel strongly about this, it is acting professionally and encourages the client to hire contractors again. Every chump contractor who messes people about, leaves early or is unreliable may result in a 'never again' attitude from the client and no jobs for contractors in the future.
Stay - if you are any good, the jobs turn up when you are available AND the current client thinks of you when he has got a job next time.
HTH

[tim123]

Sorry if this is a bit of a newby question, but I'm on my first contract - which has about 6 weeks to run - the contract basically states that I should give a months notice and they should do the same. Thing is that some other jobs have become available in my area with a much better pay rate - but being contract roles they want people to start immediately.. Whats the legal situation in situations like this? can I just give them a weeks notice or a days notice or what? - i get paid monthly so i could leave after payday and not be out of pocket..
This is all theoretical as I like my current employer and would like to give them notice but I dont want to miss out on these other positions. Any thoughts on the likely outcome of quitting with a weeks notice?
thx

Contracts for Dummies lesson 1.

A party to a contract, may lawfully breach one of the terms of that contract, provided that they are prepare to compensate the other party for their genuine losses due to that breach.

Lesson 2.
A breach by one party does not entitle the other party to breach his contractual terms except on the same basis as lesson 1.

There is no illegality here, no crime, no shame. It is however unprofessional.

tim

[tim123]

Thanks for the advice - problem is these roles that are becoming available are likely to be immediate start - If I say I have to give a months notice I risk missing the boat... I'l have to wait and see if I get one of the roles first then see what happens

you don't have to give a month's notice. You contract is ending anyway.

As has been said. By the time you have sent in the CV, had an interview, and negotiated terms your six weeks will be nearly up anyway. By the time that you get this close the client will (probably not) notice waiting an extra 2 weeks.

tim

[TheFaQQer]

Break a leg.

Some I know had the misfortune to "break a leg" - so the client terminated the contract. Next contract comes along and, after some time, would you believe it, but he broke his leg again! What are the chances!!

I only know because I worked with someone else who was brought in to replace the guy on both contracts...

[ookook]

sexual harrasment? before or after I punch him?

[The Lone Gunman]

As I have said before, never ever break the rules of the contract. If you realy want out then do something to instigate the immediate dismisal clause.

Pick an argument with the boss, swear at him then punch him. Apologise profusely. You will be off site before your feet touch the ground.
A bit of sexual harrasment doesnt go amiss either.

[ratewhore]

It's possible to string these things along...

[ookook]

Thanks for the advice - problem is these roles that are becoming available are likely to be immediate start - If I say I have to give a months notice I risk missing the boat... I'l have to wait and see if I get one of the roles first then see what happens

[ratewhore]

have you checked that these roles are for Immediate start?

This is important. Immediate start means two different things to pimps and contractors. By the time you have had your interview, got feedback, reviewed the contract, made any changes and arranged a start date you may find you're 6 weeks along the line anyway.

That's if the gigs exist of course...

[bobsmithldn]

Basically, start looking and see how things go. Legally you are bound by the contract terms. You may find it takes you longer than 6 weeks to find a gig.

[freakydancer]

Sorry if this is a bit of a newby question, but I'm on my first contract - which has about 6 weeks to run - the contract basically states that I should give a months notice and they should do the same. Thing is that some other jobs have become available in my area with a much better pay rate - but being contract roles they want people to start immediately.. Whats the legal situation in situations like this? can I just give them a weeks notice or a days notice or what? - i get paid monthly so i could leave after payday and not be out of pocket..
This is all theoretical as I like my current employer and would like to give them notice but I dont want to miss out on these other positions. Any thoughts on the likely outcome of quitting with a weeks notice?
thx

Follow the money!!

It's a dog eat dog world out there.

[MrsGoof]

have you checked that these roles are for Immediate start?

[The Lone Gunman]

Sorry if this is a bit of a newby question, but I'm on my first contract - which has about 6 weeks to run - the contract basically states that I should give a months notice and they should do the same. Thing is that some other jobs have become available in my area with a much better pay rate - but being contract roles they want people to start immediately.. Whats the legal situation in situations like this? can I just give them a weeks notice or a days notice or what? - i get paid monthly so i could leave after payday and not be out of pocket..
This is all theoretical as I like my current employer and would like to give them notice but I dont want to miss out on these other positions. Any thoughts on the likely outcome of quitting with a weeks notice?
thx

Don't do it. It is unprofessional. You could get a bad reputation and it does not create a good image for the rest of us either.
You are in business and you will expect your clients to uphold their end.

Having said that, your contract will state the terms on which you may terminate.

If there are no terms in the contract then go and have a word with the line manager in charge. Tell him that you have an opportunity you would like to take, but you wish to honour your present contract.
After all, it would be in his best interest to let you go rather than having a pissy contractor twiddle his thumbs for a month.

Be professional at all times.

[ookook]

Sorry if this is a bit of a newby question, but I'm on my first contract - which has about 6 weeks to run - the contract basically states that I should give a months notice and they should do the same. Thing is that some other jobs have become available in my area with a much better pay rate - but being contract roles they want people to start immediately.. Whats the legal situation in situations like this? can I just give them a weeks notice or a days notice or what? - i get paid monthly so i could leave after payday and not be out of pocket..
This is all theoretical as I like my current employer and would like to give them notice but I dont want to miss out on these other positions. Any thoughts on the likely outcome of quitting with a weeks notice?
thx