Reply to: Performance Reviews

[TheFaQQer]

I was asked if I wanted one - I said that if you extend my contract then I know that you are happy - if you don't then I'll get the message.

Good managers should let people know on a day-to-day basis anyway - a performance review should never have surprises - and if it does then its a bad manager.

Obviously your manager is bored.

Stop it - contractors don't have "managers"!

I have a client contact that I liaise with.

[FarmerPalmer]

My client has decided that they will not renew contracts without a performance review. I understand everyone got 10/10 without attending the review.

well if they renew then its a positive review, if they don't well ....

[FarmerPalmer]

Hi

I'm an IT contractor working abroad and a lot of the guys contractors in the company have been there for several years. The company recently introduced Performance Reviews for contractors, is this normal practice?

Also despite my experience, I'm playing a very Junior role in the company.

Thanks

I was asked if I wanted one - I said that if you extend my contract then I know that you are happy - if you don't then I'll get the message.

Good managers should let people know on a day-to-day basis anyway - a performance review should never have surprises - and if it does then its a bad manager.

Obviously your manager is bored.

[NotAllThere]

I don't see anything wrong per se with a client have a supplier performance review. Disguised employment issues notwithstanding, if they spend half an hour reviewing you, then that's half an hour pay your getting for doing nowt.

I remember the tale of a contractor was hauled into the Project Manager's office and giving a telling off. Afterward, at the coffee machine, he was asked "What was that". To which he replied "About £30".

The client is simply wasting their time and money. But that's not your problem.

NotAllThere

[The Lone Gunman]

It does not matter if he is working abroad, it matters where he pays his tax!

What country are you in? Point out to your client that if you do a performance review some tax authorities will regard you as an employee and will chase your client for the equivelant of employers NI on your contract rate. Their tax authorities may even investigate all contractor relationships.
I think this happened at EADS in Germany recently.

[wendigo100]

He is working abroad

Pay it anyway.

[bored]

Start by paying IR35 - if even you think you're a permie, then I'm sure Hector will too!

He is working abroad

[TheFaQQer]

Hi Guys/Girls??

Thanks for the replies.

If I got my facts right, some of the other contractors didnt have this Peformance Review.

I had the performance review 2 months after they decided to extend my contract for another 6 months and it wasnt a particulary good review. Its almost like they used the review to pass blame for late deliveries e.g release of software but I could be being paranoid and there is no signature required for the review.

As far as Im concerned Im just a hidden permy employee getting a contractors salary and treated like a junior permy employee (and I dont like it). I dont particulary want to rock the boat as its a good rate and I could be there long term etc etc.

BTW been contracting for several years and this is the first time I have experienced this.

Any advice welcome?

Start by paying IR35 - if even you think you're a permie, then I'm sure Hector will too!

[steveweaver]

Hi Guys/Girls??

Thanks for the replies.

If I got my facts right, some of the other contractors didnt have this Peformance Review.

I had the performance review 2 months after they decided to extend my contract for another 6 months and it wasnt a particulary good review. Its almost like they used the review to pass blame for late deliveries e.g release of software but I could be being paranoid and there is no signature required for the review.

As far as Im concerned Im just a hidden permy employee getting a contractors salary and treated like a junior permy employee (and I dont like it). I dont particulary want to rock the boat as its a good rate and I could be there long term etc etc.

BTW been contracting for several years and this is the first time I have experienced this.

Any advice welcome?

[Old Greg]

You must be pleased. Will that go on your CV?

I could burst with delight. Will have to think about the CV.

[wendigo100]

My client has decided that they will not renew contracts without a performance review. I understand everyone got 10/10 without attending the review.

You must be pleased. Will that go on your CV?

[Old Greg]

My client has decided that they will not renew contracts without a performance review. I understand everyone got 10/10 without attending the review.

[Ruprect]

I'd just flatly refuse. If they don't like what you're doing then they shouldn't renew you. Its not like you're on some defined career path with milestones to check against... you are measured against your deliverables, nothing more, nothing less.

[wendigo100]

Rare here. I've only had one in 19 years of contracting.

It was a strange event because I was also asked to do one on my boss. Of course I crawled up her ... ... hang on, I'll rephrase that ... I said lots of nice things about her, and thus got extended.

Feedback on what your client thinks of your work is useful, but not a permy-type review.

[chicane]

Ask them if they'd give a performance review to the guy who comes in to fix the air conditioning. That'll confuse them.