Reply to: Leaving contract and going permanent, what's your view?

[northernladuk]

Not for your English lessons, no.

I'm from Yorkshire. Nuff said.

[Zigenare]

You kept the reciepts didn't you?

Not for your English lessons, no.

[northernladuk]

NLUK's better half he claims she exists.

You kept the reciepts didn't you?

[vetran]

What is NLyUK?

NLUK's better half he claims she exists.

[edison]

I'd be a little wary of that statement. They obviously see the role as a permanent one, currently filled by a contractor. With you being inside you could just jump ship first time a good outside role comes your way so it's not the permanent solution they want. If you don't want to go perm you are still a risk to them and there is a chance they'll look elsewhere to fill the permanent solution. I do tend to think if a client pops up and asks a contractor to go permanent there has been a discussion and a possible change of direction on the role. Perm is cheaper and less risky, if they've suddently offered you it then I'd say putting a perm head in is on their radar.

Exactly this.

Most IT departments will do a regular review of headcount and the balance of perm/contractors. I was on the leadership team at one organisation that reviewed the list of contractors every quarter and each contractor had to be justified by their respective team head otherwise they were binned.

We also reviewed all long term contractors once they approached two years and debated why the role wasn't made permanent and if there was an option to take on the incumbent contractor. The first review we did resulted in losing quite a lot of contractors including most long term ones who refused the perm option. Six months later and there was no noticeable negative impact to the department.

[northernladuk]

It's not like that, there is an option to continue working as a contractor if I do not want to take the role.

I'd be a little wary of that statement. They obviously see the role as a permanent one, currently filled by a contractor. With you being inside you could just jump ship first time a good outside role comes your way so it's not the permanent solution they want. If you don't want to go perm you are still a risk to them and there is a chance they'll look elsewhere to fill the permanent solution. I do tend to think if a client pops up and asks a contractor to go permanent there has been a discussion and a possible change of direction on the role. Perm is cheaper and less risky, if they've suddently offered you it then I'd say putting a perm head in is on their radar.

If I was in your shoes I'd be wondering what is going on and I certainly wouldn't be thinking my role is safe if I decide to stay perm. The contract going forward isn't as it was before if you get me.

Not saying that's what will happen but something has changed to ask you so you need to think ahead.

[CDP90]

is this offer repacing your contract? is it 'go perm or leave'?.

It's not like that, there is an option to continue working as a contractor if I do not want to take the role.

[CDP90]

Remember a perm contract is basically a 1 month contract but with access to the staff canteen. Even if you are there for years they won't pay you a decent redundancy package or feel bad if you get in the way of their bonus.

What is the alternative will they fire you if you won't convert?

They want you so start pushing for training, career progression, opportunities etc.

They started it so have a look around and see what the going rate is.

No, they won't fire me if I don't convert. I can keep my contracting role and continue working.
Yes, as a staff they will push me for training, opportunities etc which I don't mind provided that there are incentives.

[CDP90]

There are other clients that do provide an outside IR35 facility.

A side note for everyone, make a point of telling your pimps that you'll only sign outside IR35 contracts - keep the pressure on!

Companies are wary about getting caught. IR35 rule is too strict therefore they do not want to take the risk. Its safe for them keep contractors on inside IR35.

[CDP90]

Indeed use them like NLyUK on an expense account! The more excited you sound about training, opportunities & progression the happier they will be. They will think they have converted you to a permie. As NLUK says just skill up on their dime. The market can't stay bad for too long.

What is NLyUK?

[CDP90]

Indeed so a few months on the market looking for the next gig which could be christ knows where with no income will make your 2k income drop look a bit insignificant. Nothing wrong with battening down the hatches and skilling up at the moment.

I agree, hence my dilemma.

[CDP90]

There are some (more) sensible replies to your question; for me though if, maybe a big IF but you would know how big, continuing as a long term contractor is a genuine option having said no thanks to permie then I'd be staying as a contractor, reasons (1) 2k/month more and (2) I wouldn't be trusting the annual bonus appearing, oh and I couldn't give a crap about the other "perks"

Do you feel lucky, punk, well do you :-)

Thank but the perks is actually not too bad with company shares, attractive pension, bonus between 20% - 50%. If I calculate all the perks along with annual leave, there is about 5% more money than contract. It's just that my mortgage is very high and I am worried about 2K drop every month.

[gables]

Thanks for the response. They will still keep me if I want to continue working as a contractor and even the perm position is filled. The package is decent with annual bonus etc. As mentioned, total annual intake work out same as contracting rate if I add all benefits and perks. Only downside is about 2K less mostly and I will have to wait for annual bonus plus perks to match my contracting rate.

The market is indeed tough at the moment but luckily I still have both options; permanent role or continue as a long term contractor.

There are some (more) sensible replies to your question; for me though if, maybe a big IF but you would know how big, continuing as a long term contractor is a genuine option having said no thanks to permie then I'd be staying as a contractor, reasons (1) 2k/month more and (2) I wouldn't be trusting the annual bonus appearing, oh and I couldn't give a crap about the other "perks"

Do you feel lucky, punk, well do you :-)

[northernladuk]

Unfortunately, market hasn't been great recently.

Indeed so a few months on the market looking for the next gig which could be christ knows where with no income will make your 2k income drop look a bit insignificant. Nothing wrong with battening down the hatches and skilling up at the moment.

[CDP90]

There are other clients that do provide an outside IR35 facility.

A side note for everyone, make a point of telling your pimps that you'll only sign outside IR35 contracts - keep the pressure on!

Unfortunately, market hasn't been great recently.