Would you work without a contract?

[Safe Collections]

If the 'agent' fobbs you off over a contract, what are they going to be like paying you?

Agree completely with Bolshie, it isn't a good footing to start the contract on.

But we are pretty fascist about contracts and the like given our business

[RasputinDude]

It really depends on the circumstances. Would I work on a client site without a contract? Depends on the agency - if I have used the agency before and I think that they're kosher, then yes I would for a few days if I had nothing else to do.

If I hadn't used the agency before, no way. Absolutely not.

If it is a direct bit of work, then yes. In fact, I did just this last year for a bit of work that brought in around 30k. But - and this is important - I retained hold of the client's assets until I got paid and I knew just how important those assets were to the client.

So it's up to you. If it's your first contract and you're new to contracting then I'd say no.

[Goalie33]

Well hopefully I won't be someone that comes crying. I've read through the contract a number of times. A couple of things that stick out is that they expect me to use my own equipment to do the job (I'm doing a support role so would assume that im using their equipment to access the service desk software, etc) and there is a 2 week notice period for me. Is there a sticky to say what you would expect and bits to look out for?

[Wanderer]

Thanks for all the replies. Thankfully the contract arrived this afternoon. My gut instinct said not to start unless there was one in place but being new to this business I was obviously being given a load of lines by the agent and falling for it.

I wouldn't work without one unless it was an established client where I had worked previously and I had an written confirmation that I was working under an extension of a previous contract.

If you start before you have a contract then they can foist all manner of crappy contract terms on you and you are in a pretty weak position when it comes to negotiating.

If I were a cynical person I would wonder if agencies deliberately delay the issue of the contract so you don't have too much time to review it and argue the point about things like IR35 compliance, restrictive covenants and draconian terms....

Don't be too star struck by getting your first contract. MAKE SURE you read your contract from beginning to end and get it reviewed if you are at all unsure about terms in it. You would be amazed at how many people just sign their life away without reading contracts and then come on here crying when it comes back on them. You aren't going to be one of those are you?

Also, don't be in a mad rush to sign it. Remember that the agency took their time to send it to you so make sure everything is in order before returning it....

[BolshieBastard]

Surprised at the number of people who'd say they'd risk it. Trying to get a couple of meaningful changes to the contract terms after you're on site is nigh on impossible. Bauer & Cottrill positively advise you against it if having an contract review.

I know a couple of agencies who have blue chip clients who wont entertain changes once you are on site.

[Goalie33]

Thanks for all the replies. Thankfully the contract arrived this afternoon. My gut instinct said not to start unless there was one in place but being new to this business I was obviously being given a load of lines by the agent and falling for it. I found that as long as I was all nice about it they didn't care. Phoned them this morning a bit peeved and they did something

Thanks again!

[Gentile]

Hi everyone,

This might sound like a stupid question but would anybody work if there was no contract in place?

This is my first proper contract and all was going well until the agency started fobbing me off as to where my contract is. I've been to a couple of interviews at the end of last week with the hiring company and was offered a contract on friday starting on Thursday. I've been chasing my contract but keep being told that they are dealing with it and I might have to start without it being signed. Is that normal practice?

Many thanks

I've set foot on a client site on the promise of a contract being in the post, but no, I'd never work without a contract, and wouldn't recommend that anyone else do so.

[northernladuk]

You CAN work without a contract if you are willing to accept the risk. It is at your own peril. You will not get much sympathy when you come on here complaining you didn't get paid because there is no agreement in place.

Short term until it turns up I might risk it if I am doing nothing else. Long term? Never.

[Scoobos]

As much as I usually agree with Brillo, I am willing to gamble a few days rate.

I do make sure the agent knows on DAY1 that if a contract isnt there by the start of the next week, I'm gone.

[BrilloPad]

Never, ever work without a contract.

+1

Also I have had contracts where my contract with agent is not valid until client-agent contract signed. I only ever signed after that contract is signed.

[AnthonyQuinn]

Hi everyone,

This might sound like a stupid question but would anybody work if there was no contract in place? Many thanks

Happens all the time. I have started werk in my last 4 (yes each of my last 4 ) engagements with a contract nowhere in sight. Some companies take ages to vet and setup a new vendor on a system. It does impact your first payment as it tends to get delayed. But no-one will let you get on site and start work unless they were sure of being able to sort out the contract soon.

get on with it and dont let technicalities and paperwork assume more importance than they should. A verbal contract (backed up by some emails) and permission to visit and work in premises is as good as a written contract.

[BolshieBastard]

Jesus, what is it with people? Never, ever work without a contract. if you do and have problems, you're going to find it very difficult to get anything resolved in your favour.

If the 'agent' fobbs you off over a contract, what are they going to be like paying you?

[Murder1]

Hi everyone,

This might sound like a stupid question but would anybody work if there was no contract in place?

This is my first proper contract and all was going well until the agency started fobbing me off as to where my contract is. I've been to a couple of interviews at the end of last week with the hiring company and was offered a contract on friday starting on Thursday. I've been chasing my contract but keep being told that they are dealing with it and I might have to start without it being signed. Is that normal practice?

Many thanks

Many would say that you shouldn't set foot on site until you've a signed contract in place, and I bet if you refused to start work until one was in place the agent would pull their finger out and courier one to you.

I've never worked without a contract but one's always been sent in good time, I could be tempted to if I knew the client and there was a very very very good reason for one not being in place but I'd still be very suspicious.

[Goalie33]

Hi everyone,

This might sound like a stupid question but would anybody work if there was no contract in place?

This is my first proper contract and all was going well until the agency started fobbing me off as to where my contract is. I've been to a couple of interviews at the end of last week with the hiring company and was offered a contract on friday starting on Thursday. I've been chasing my contract but keep being told that they are dealing with it and I might have to start without it being signed. Is that normal practice?

Many thanks