Reply to: Contracting Rates in Northern Ireland

[Turion]

I can see why because my post about Mons was not so complimentary. Unless they are paying good rates, or you can't find anythingelse, you are better off elsewhere if you want a life outside or work.

[mikeyboy]

That's right. But I'm still interested in finding something at home.

[Turion]

You said in another post you have got a contract starting in Belgium in April.

[mikeyboy]

Northern Ireland certainly does have a lot going for it in terms of quality of life. Hence me being so interested in the contract market there.
When I worked there fulltime I had a 20 minute commute from Bangor to Belfast every morning. Atmosphere in the office was always fun but professional. Plenty of banter and the "work hard, play hard" attitude was very evident. Unfortunately more and more of my work involved flying between NI and the Mainland and spending 80% of my time away from home with no financial compensation. That's why I jacked it in and started contracting around the UK. If I have to travel I may as well get paid a decent amount for it.
The recent peace has caused a property boom and with NI salaries lagging behind those elsewhere in the UK, most places are now beyond the reach of your average Joe. They have some top quality graduates there but they are mostly lured abroad by better packages. The IT industry in NI needs to start offering competitive salaries.

[The_Equalizer]

Althought I've been reading this board for a good two years now I thought it about time to add my bit having lived in NI for about 10 years now. As you know NI is a very small market, although that said there's a bit of shortage of people at present - or at least that's my understanding from a quick feel of the market. I have just quit my job to head back to Blighty, but would be quite happpy - should anything suitable turn up - to stay there. The alternative is Manchester. Anyway, I know of a reasonable Java type who was on £300/day, but that seems to be the contracting limit at present. Not sure about the DV stuff mind you. As you'll know NI has (or at least us to) lots of clever people that would rather spend 20 minutes getting to work in their car than shove themselves over the coals in London.

Anyway, point being is there's certain shortage, but employers are still in the mind-set that NI's a cheap market. I'd suggest contacting the usual pimps (Diamond etc) and see from there.

[Mailman_1]

I was offered a Packaging role for £450 a day in Belfast a few months ago. DV required also. The rates are there. Just need to find them.

[PAH]

Rates in Ireland are generally about two thirds of the rate you would get in England.

Rates in England are about two thirds the rate you get in London.

[mikeyboy]

Rates in Ireland are generally about two thirds of the rate you would get in England.

I had noticed this when looking at contracts in The Republic. Contract market there is very small and the rates are rubbish when you consider the high cost of living in Dublin where most of them are located.
Thought Belfast would have been different though as there is apparently a "skills shortage" as Fujitsu have just snapped up around 200 peeps and dried up the supply. Plus it's still the UK and Belfast isn't such a cheap place to live these days.

[Cyberman]

Rates in Ireland are generally about two thirds of the rate you would get in England.

[Dow Jones]

Fair enough then

I see. Probably worth it then. Same logic applied though - £ 10 p/h less would have tempted you as per my breakdown. Good luck.

[Ardesco]

Oops, forgot to mention that the role requires DV Clearance. Which I have. Hence the £40 p/hr rate. In-fact I'm on nearer £50 p/hr at the moment in Hampshire.

Ah EDS

[mikeyboy]

Oops, forgot to mention that the role requires DV Clearance. Which I have. Hence the £40 p/hr rate. In-fact I'm on nearer £50 p/hr at the moment in Hampshire.

[Dow Jones]

Correct me if I am wrong...

But if you are on £ 40 p/h and you incur expenses working away from home of let's say £ 400 p/w (inc. flights to/fm home), then your net rate is more like £ 30 p/h. Allowing for time spent on the road and the hassle of commuting, would you rather be within walking distance from home and get close to that? I would. Belfast has changed to become a half-decent place lately.
Also not trying to wound your ego, but 3rd line MS support for £ 40 p/h - in the present climate - you are pushing it, don't you think?

[mikeyboy]

Sounds like the pimp is only used to placing 'temps' not contractors. Also as it's your home town surely you know a bit about the local rates and can tell what is the norm?

I think you may be onto it there.
It is my home town, but I never looked at contracting there in the past. Had a permie job in Belfast for ten years then went abroad for the last few years contracting.

[oracleslave]

So, yesterday I had a telephone interview for a contract in Belfast (my hometown)
Third Line WinTel Support with some project & design work. MCSE and CCNA required.

Interview went well. Received a phonecall within 30 minutes from the Pimp confirming an offer. Then we got to rates. I opened with £40 an hour (no expenses as I have a house within walking distance). The Pimp nearly had a heart attack. He told me they don't have ANYONE on their books on more than £25 an hour!
Conversation ended there and then.

Is this the norm in N.Ireland or was this Pimp just pushing his luck?

Sounds like the pimp is only used to placing 'temps' not contractors. Also as it's your home town surely you know a bit about the local rates and can tell what is the norm?