Opt in / Opt out - whats it all about?

[mailric]

Anyone fancy providing a nice straightforward (if there is one) overview of opting in or out of this agency thing???

What are the pro's and con's?

First contract possibly starting in next few weeks, not been interviewed yet (which seems to make a difference according to other posts)

I know its covered on First Timers, but it doesnt really give the 'lay mans' point of view i need.

cheers

[KevinS]

Head over to PCG (www.pcg.org.uk). On the left side of the page, hover over the Member Services, then Expert Guides and select 'Guide to Agency Regulations'. This is a nice, clearly written and explained guide to opting in/out..

[SueEllen]

Use the search facility on the board. This topic has been covered many times in different ways so you are bound to find one you understand.

[TheFaQQer]

Use the search facility on the board. This topic has been covered many times in different ways so you are bound to find one you understand.

Oooh - new avatar.

Much better, but still no sign of the norks.

[b0redom]

Opt in if you want to be inside of IR35 and pay lots more tax. Opt out if you don't.

[TheFaQQer]

Opt in if you want to be inside of IR35 and pay lots more tax. Opt out if you don't.

Opting in has no direct impact on IR35 status - at best it is marginal, since it could be argued that there is less risk involved in opting in.

Opting out makes the agency job easier, and means that they can tie you in to stop you going direct, or through another agency. Opting in means that they can't tie you in, and need to pay you for the work that you do.

It's been done a number of times on here over and over again.

[PrinceNamor]

If you are truly operating as a business not a disguised employee then I don't see how you can opt in. Doesn't opting in imply you are an agency worker?

[SueEllen]

If you are truly operating as a business not a disguised employee then I don't see how you can opt in. Doesn't opting in imply you are an agency worker?

You are opted in unless you have specifically been asked by the agency [before you meet the client i.e. when they sign you up, or you have gone out of your way to tell the agency so in writing. As most agencies don't bother to ask you before you meet the client then legally you are opted in no matter what the agent states later.

If you use the search facility you will discover cases where whether your opted in or not becomes an issue i.e. when the agency tries not to pay up.

[arthur_cider]

OPT OUT if you want the contract

[TheFaQQer]

OPT OUT if you want the contract

You are an agent, and I claim my £5 worth of hair gel.