Fixed Term Contracts...

[rootsnall]

Fixed term contracts (ranging from 6 months to 3 years) has become the norm for many clients in this downturn.

For clients, it is equivalent of having a contractor with permie level salary.

For candidates, long term stability is better than high but uncertain salary.

In current market, if you lose job, it can take several months to get a new role.

Usually, even in fixed term contacts, you can leave at anytime giving 1 month notice (both sides).

They raise their ugly heads in every downturn and die a quick death once things pick up.

[mobi]

Fixed term contracts (ranging from 6 months to 3 years) has become the norm for many clients in this downturn.

For clients, it is equivalent of having a contractor with permie level salary.

For candidates, long term stability is better than high but uncertain salary.

In current market, if you lose job, it can take several months to get a new role.

Usually, even in fixed term contacts, you can leave at anytime giving 1 month notice (both sides).

[BolshieBastard]

Have been contacted by one agent in particular over the last few weeks for 2 separate roles. In both instances these were initially contract roles but when we got to the interview stage the agent came up with "the client would prefer you on a fixed term basis (but working for the agent NOT the client) rather than as a ltd company contractor.

Call me Mr Cynical but my guess is the client knows nothing of this, still pays the agent the going rate and the agent's margin is increased exponentionally i.e charge client £450 a day but instead of paying contractor £400 a day he's get's £60k p.a.

The agent is adamant that the client prefers it this way - but is there really anything in this for the client?? Am I missing something other than the usual greedy agent antics?

Surely it was obvious from the rate being offerred that these were not contracts? And you got caught twice like this?

[fckvwls]

The agent is adamant that the client prefers it this way - but is there really anything in this for the client?? Am I missing something other than the usual greedy agent antics?

Perhaps the client does it prefer it this way. After all does this not give them a cheap contractor at their beck and call, that can't up and leave and with the having none of the costs, risks and admin associated with hiring a FTE?

[Sausage Surprise]

Have been contacted by one agent in particular over the last few weeks for 2 separate roles. In both instances these were initially contract roles but when we got to the interview stage the agent came up with "the client would prefer you on a fixed term basis (but working for the agent NOT the client) rather than as a ltd company contractor.

Call me Mr Cynical but my guess is the client knows nothing of this, still pays the agent the going rate and the agent's margin is increased exponentionally i.e charge client £450 a day but instead of paying contractor £400 a day he's get's £60k p.a.

The agent is adamant that the client prefers it this way - but is there really anything in this for the client?? Am I missing something other than the usual greedy agent antics?