I finally have a contract, and all seems.... okay.... although they've lumped in my stuff and the stuff for nasa consultancy so it's a bit confusing what I do and don't need to send. So.. yeah interesting. Very confusing. Otherwise it looks all ok, no pressure to even opt out either!
I'll go through the contract stuff and return 'my bits' so to speak. Thanks for the help all!
More and more learned every day, dear god I see why you do it now!
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Previously on "Hi, I just got offered my first contract. I'm scared"
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Originally posted by photomile View PostDespite calls from my self, Nasa Consultancy and a nudge from the client, I still don't have a contract, no electronic contract or otherwise, so in my eyes, I cannot continue working until I can sign off and get insured for the day at least!
Originally posted by photomile View PostThe happy news is the contract could well over-run, the bad news is that wonderful offer of overtime the recruitment consultancy made? Yeah, that was a lie. SO I think some extremely harsh words tomorrow morning.
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Originally posted by photomile View PostThank you, much appreciated!
Despite calls from my self, Nasa Consultancy and a nudge from the client, I still don't have a contract, no electronic contract or otherwise, so in my eyes, I cannot continue working until I can sign off and get insured for the day at least!
I have however, been able to learn a hell of a lot about contracting since one or two seemed to try and 'take me under their wing'. The mindset is totally different to perms, and frankly it seems great.
The recruitment agency, not so much, since it's a very very serious issue I am led to believe, and not just for insurance purposes and them paying you!
The happy news is the contract could well over-run, the bad news is that wonderful offer of overtime the recruitment consultancy made? Yeah, that was a lie. SO I think some extremely harsh words tomorrow morning.
Anything else to add? not insured, won't get paid etc, no confirmation of rates.... I'm sure there's something illegal about this as well...
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Originally posted by keninparis View PostI've missed the flight back from Paris (ms. KP's fault) so unfortunately have to email (can't bear to speak to him/her) my agency (pimp) to let the client know I'm unavailable tomorrow so feel free to drop me a line tomorrow if you require any advise (non screwdriver related) as probably will be killing time in a bar.
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Originally posted by photomile View PostMany thanks again, I think I'm slowly coming up to speed on everything. Again, that document helps.
I fully appreciate what you say about simple questions, and I'm rarely the type to not do a tonne of research into something but, pound signs, desperation, last minute contract... I'm slowly finding things out, and hopefully yeah, I'll be up and at them tomorrow and onto more and more contracts!
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Many thanks again, I think I'm slowly coming up to speed on everything. Again, that document helps.
I fully appreciate what you say about simple questions, and I'm rarely the type to not do a tonne of research into something but, pound signs, desperation, last minute contract... I'm slowly finding things out, and hopefully yeah, I'll be up and at them tomorrow and onto more and more contracts!
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Originally posted by photomile View PostCan you give me any examples of clauses to watch out for? Standard things I can work out but if there are specific things they like to put in to catch contractors out etc
Agencies like to put in a restraint of trade clause that says you can only work for the client through the agency who introduced you and this may be for a period of 12 months after the end of the contract. They also like to give you rubbish payment terms like monthly invoicing and payment 30 days after that. Either negotiate it down or invoice them weekly.
They will also try to get you to sign away your legal rights by opting out of the Agency Conduct Regulations. Since you are working through an umbrella, you can't opt out but they will try to make you think you can anyway. You should read the sticky and understand your rights under this legislation.
If you stick with contracting and you are making over ~ 30k/year then you should consider switching to LTD company and you can avoid a lot of tax but there is a bit of research to be done especially regarding IR35 once you are ready to go that direction.
There are great guides on this site - follow the CUK Navigation links on the right. Consider joining the PCG, especially if you go LTD.
There is a fair amount to learn and a lot of it is not intuitive. If you have questions about contracting then read the guides here and at PCG first and then tell us what part you are unclear on and you will (possibly) get a useful answer. If you just ask basic questions outright then people here will get grumpy with you.
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Originally posted by photomile View PostIndeed, perhaps the fact that I don't program means I'm not worth the time of some people.
That is brilliant advice, thanks! Will formulate better questions, but more and more things are getting answered! That guide is brilliant, thank you. I don't think I would have found that otherwise!
Suffice to say, this initial contract was a complete mistake. The umbrella company seems great from what I'm digging up, however the companies involved are really doing a bad job of communicating.
All I'm going to do with this, is try and get a reference, and work every bloody hour possible, as well as some strong words on monday morning about why there still isn't a contract for me on the day I start.
Lesson learned, but hopefully I'm gathering enough information now to make sure that I'm doing all of the right things for my next contract
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Originally posted by Zippy View Post@keninparis - we are usually politer to newbies than you have been. There is an exception - when they amble in to General and start stirring it or asking moronic questions.
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@keninparis - we are usually politer to newbies than you have been. There is an exception - when they amble in to General and start stirring it or asking moronic questions.
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Originally posted by photomile View PostWhat happens in Paris....
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Originally posted by Zippy View PostI wouldn't worry too much about a contract on the first day, as long as you have something in writing (or email) from the agent setting out the basic conditions and pay.
Two problems with not having a contract
- you won't be insured (so don't break/touch anything)
- you won't get paid
So keep harassing. Try to get the umbrella co to do the legwork - they won't get their fee if you don't get paid.
It gets easier ... trust me
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I wouldn't worry too much about a contract on the first day, as long as you have something in writing (or email) from the agent setting out the basic conditions and pay.
Two problems with not having a contract
- you won't be insured (so don't break/touch anything)
- you won't get paid
So keep harassing. Try to get the umbrella co to do the legwork - they won't get their fee if you don't get paid.
It gets easier ... trust me
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Originally posted by photomile View PostNot to worry
Put it this way...
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