Heard this one before... extension discussed, agreed, but no paperwork forthcoming!

[matei]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I'm back onsite, the show must go on. The only thing that is bothering me is the wrong rate. I tried to contact the agency to let them know, however no one is around until tomorrow.

I'd not want to take advantage of someone else's mistake. There is some self preservation as well - both the client and agency can be pretty vengeful and petty.

Oh well. If they insist on paying me more money who am I to refuse? I'm sure they'll find a way of sorting it unfortunately.

[BlasterBates]

Just one point, a contract doesn't need to be written. If you've verbally agreed with the line manager and he's let you in the building to work, you have a contract. Unless you actually have an alternative there is really absolutely no point in sitting at home sulking; you just make a bad impression and lose billable days. Obviously if you have an alternative that is a different matter.

My experience is that is not unusual for paperwork to arrive after you've started the contract particularly with an extension.

[Wanderer]

Have been told verbally and in an e-mail from the agency that client wants to extend my contract, extension has been approved but they're just waiting for a PO to be issued. Agent flippantly says "just stay home until it is sorted, a few days, a few weeks" (sure, he ain't the one losing income).

Yeah, seen this lots of times. It's pretty unprofessional behaviour by the client but some of them do it. Some even string you along and then withdraw the offer at the 11th hour.

If this is a contract extension on broadly the same terms then you are probably going to be OK and I'd say go on in. If it was new business and terms weren't firmly established then I would be very wary as that's much more risky. With an established business relationship then you can just put it down as an amendment to the schedule rather than needing a new contract.

The question of insurance is one to beat the client up. Opinions on this vary a lot but it's not a big issue in my view. I'd cancel my PI insurance except that the agency have made it a condition of doing business.

[matei]

Good point Faqqer, re the agency's loss of income. I hadn't thought about that.

[TheFaQQer]

Agent flippantly says "just stay home until it is sorted, a few days, a few weeks" (sure, he ain't the one losing income).

Actually, he is.

Explained to line manager the situation, about working w/o contract etc. He advises that rather than risk looking like a sulky git that I come in anyway and show I'm willing. Clientco has been known to dismiss difficult contractors at the drop of a hat.

Next time, explain that you're not being sulky, but without a contract being in place, then you are exposing the client to risk because your insurance policy wouldn't be valid for that period. Explain that you need an indemnity,in writing, before you can consider coming in. He'll rethink and tell you to stay away until it's sorted.

[psychocandy]

Hi all...

As the title states, this issue has been discussed on the forum in several variants, and here is mine... Just curious to hear from anyone who has been in a similar bind and how it worked out.

3 month contract at big UK financial institution is about to expire. Client has known for several weeks, that deadline is looming.

Have been told verbally and in an e-mail from the agency that client wants to extend my contract, extension has been approved but they're just waiting for a PO to be issued. Agent flippantly says "just stay home until it is sorted, a few days, a few weeks" (sure, he ain't the one losing income).

Explained to line manager the situation, about working w/o contract etc. He advises that rather than risk looking like a sulky git that I come in anyway and show I'm willing. Clientco has been known to dismiss difficult contractors at the drop of a hat.

I do tend to listen to this guy, used to be my permie supervisor years ago and has usually given sound advice, knows the political jungle like the back of his hand.

Just curious to know if anyone else was ever in a similar situation and how they handled it?

I just had same thing. Luckily for me the agency was willing to issue me a contract on the basis of an email from the client pending paperwork.

Glad to see it got sorted though....

As someone pointed out to me though, if you've got an email from agency saying contract is forthcoming then its almost as good as proper contract....

[matei]

Out of interest, what % is the agency cut?

A little over 11%

[ChimpMaster]

I just received the extension paperwork, talk about last minute!

I did see in clientco's internal requesition system that the request to buy my services had been made... however no one was around to authorise it.

However... the rate in the contract is wrong. It is quite a bit more, I think that whoever drew up the contract put down as my rate what they're charging the client - without factoring in the agency cut!

First time I've ever seen that happen.

Out of interest, what % is the agency cut?

[matei]

I just received the extension paperwork, talk about last minute!

I did see in clientco's internal requesition system that the request to buy my services had been made... however no one was around to authorise it.

However... the rate in the contract is wrong. It is quite a bit more, I think that whoever drew up the contract put down as my rate what they're charging the client - without factoring in the agency cut!

First time I've ever seen that happen.

[JoJoGabor]

The banks are notoriously slow/inefficient at reviwing anything supplier related. Its probably true. on the flipside I have seen them string along contractors who they are not intending on renewing, telling them they will renew, right up to and including the last day of the contract.

Dont know - what's your gut feel?

[matei]

Hi all...

As the title states, this issue has been discussed on the forum in several variants, and here is mine... Just curious to hear from anyone who has been in a similar bind and how it worked out.

3 month contract at big UK financial institution is about to expire. Client has known for several weeks, that deadline is looming.

Have been told verbally and in an e-mail from the agency that client wants to extend my contract, extension has been approved but they're just waiting for a PO to be issued. Agent flippantly says "just stay home until it is sorted, a few days, a few weeks" (sure, he ain't the one losing income).

Explained to line manager the situation, about working w/o contract etc. He advises that rather than risk looking like a sulky git that I come in anyway and show I'm willing. Clientco has been known to dismiss difficult contractors at the drop of a hat.

I do tend to listen to this guy, used to be my permie supervisor years ago and has usually given sound advice, knows the political jungle like the back of his hand.

Just curious to know if anyone else was ever in a similar situation and how they handled it?