Reply to: Do's and Dont's for contractors (and other questions)

[Wanderer]

My IT consultancy often has multiple billable contracts open at once and usually there is no agency/pimp involved in the middle (ie. B2B). How is that a "disguised" employee?

OK, so now you are going to tell us that you don't work under the day to day direction and control of these companies, they offer ad hoc work but they are not obliged to offer you regular work or to pay you to do nothing when there is no work to do and you can you sub contract out the work if you see fit.

Right?

So that's not the same as being a permie now, is it?

[malvolio]

My IT consultancy often has multiple billable contracts open at once and usually there is no agency/pimp involved in the middle (ie. B2B). How is that a "disguised" employee?

Because IR35 is judged on a contract by contract basis?

[captainham]

My IT consultancy often has multiple billable contracts open at once and usually there is no agency/pimp involved in the middle (ie. B2B). How is that a "disguised" employee?

Because the points you mention are not related to IR35.

[fraymond]

I can see what you mean and I agree that it was like that for quite a while but since HMRC introduced the IR35 rules contractors are working very hard to be seen as being "in business of their own account" rather than disguised permies with no employment rights.

This type of outlook doesn't help the image of contracting in the eyes of HMRC and it sets incorrect expectations of what clients expect from contractors making it harder for other contractors.

If you sincerely think that way then you should probably go back to being a permie and not muddy the waters for the rest of us.

My IT consultancy often has multiple billable contracts open at once and usually there is no agency/pimp involved in the middle (ie. B2B). How is that a "disguised" employee?

[northernladuk]

I can see what you mean and I agree that it was like that for quite a while but since HMRC introduced the IR35 rules contractors are working very hard to be seen as being "in business of their own account" rather than disguised permies with no employment rights.

This type of outlook doesn't help the image of contracting in the eyes of HMRC and it sets incorrect expectations of what clients expect from contractors making it harder for other contractors.

If you sincerely think that way then you should probably go back to being a permie and not muddy the waters for the rest of us.

Or put his money where his mouth is and ask to be inspected so we can see the outcome.

[Wanderer]

I personally don't see any difference between perm and contract.

I can see what you mean and I agree that it was like that for quite a while but since HMRC introduced the IR35 rules contractors are working very hard to be seen as being "in business of their own account" rather than disguised permies with no employment rights.

This type of outlook doesn't help the image of contracting in the eyes of HMRC and it sets incorrect expectations of what clients expect from contractors making it harder for other contractors.

If you sincerely think that way then you should probably go back to being a permie and not muddy the waters for the rest of us.

[northernladuk]

I personally don't see any difference between perm and contract. You are there to do a job, people typically hire other people they like and get one with, and the reality of life is that no matter how hard you try, the job is impermanent and will end one day (unless you die first). Enjoy and don't take matters too seriously.

So we can see from your comment about taking gardening leave as a contractor. Am glad with have a hidden permie on the board that doesn't believe in IR35 and running a business properly. Will give us an interesting perspective on things.

[fraymond]

I personally don't see any difference between perm and contract. You are there to do a job, people typically hire other people they like and get one with, and the reality of life is that no matter how hard you try, the job is impermanent and will end one day (unless you die first). Enjoy and don't take matters too seriously.

[psychocandy]

elfs fault for resurrecting an 18 month old thread!

[Taita]

You are Tulipping us and I demand my prize even you were so obvious. Nice try!

Next time I'll check the date of the original posting before taking off!

[Taita]

Hi All,
I am a new contractor. I've been a permie for over 7yrs. I have no contractor friends so I am finding it really difficult to seek some day to day advice

Here are some of my questions. Could veterans please share your thoughts?

1. What are basic do's and dont's for a contractor. I am worried I might end up doing something (thats okay for a permie to do) thats a total no-no for a contractor!

2. What are the things I should strictly follow to manage an extension? I am very keen on working with this client long term since I like the team here and also, its quite close to home.

3. I am a Business Analyst, planning to take ISEB Diploma. What other certifications will make my CV strong enough for getting an interview? (I am thinking long term here. My current contract is for 6 months)

4. Some more questions:
a) is it okay to browse the internet while at work? (not all the time, but just sometimes, like 15mins break?)
b) Should I strictly follow the teams timings? (all of them come in at 9am sharp...I usually come in at 9:10. Wondering if I should strictly disipline myself)

5) If you are a manager/lead handling contractors, what are the things you'll look for to extend the contract? also, what things will p*** you off badly that you decide not to extend (or even terminate) the contract?

Sorry if these questions seem silly, but trust me, these are genuinely my doubts.

Thank you,
Tulipz

You are Tulipping us and I demand my prize even you were so obvious. Nice try!

[psychocandy]

In my experience its best to turn up and fit in. If you cause a fuss then the client wont be happy. as for hours, again, if you kick off then they will notice.

Again with the phone/internet - don't wind them up by always being on. Usually find that after a bit they don't give a rats ass.

Same with hours. Once they think you're worth having there they usually don't care what hours you work, phone calls, internet etc as long as its no hassle for them.

No contractor doing a good job ever got the boot for surfing the net. Sometimes client may think they have to justify it to you or themselves why they're giving you the boot but like someone said, its just an excuse. Just say OK whatever and don't stress about it.

[formant]

A support monkey, or developer asking these question might not be so bad, because the required expertise is technical, but I thought it was ironic that a Business Anaylst was asking these sorts of questions..

Now I'm not in Business Analysis at all, but even I know that Business Analysis has about as little to do with day-to-day petty company policy as development or support does. So no, it's really not all that ironic.

What is and isn't 'okay' however is really best ascertained by observing other contractors and permies on site. Until you figure out what feels acceptable and what doesn't, be on time and browse the web on your phone. I'd expect you would have done the same as a permie.

[MyUserName]

What would you expect from a contractor?

Would you be happy if they spent an hour surfing the web whilst waiting for client feedback or would you expect them to find something else to do etc?

Once you have worked out your expectations - make sure you exceed them to the client until they say otherwise?

[NotAllThere]

Extended poo breaks can be invoiced