Confidentiality Agreements

[ratewhore]

Apologies for posting contractor related stuff but I'm mulling something over which I would like to put out to the esteemed CUK community.

I'm being asked to sign a confidentiality agreement which does the normal waiving of rights and vesting of IPR etc etc etc

I can't really see the point of it because this is fully dealt with in the contract. I'm sure some of you lot have come across this as well so wondered what your thoughts were.

[scooterscot]

My crystal ball is a little foggy this afternoon.

Are you direct or agent? Is the contract with an agent or client? And is the confidentiality through the same?

[oracleslave]

Presumably you have mentioned that it is pointless as it is all already covered in your contract? First thought though is there is probably no harm in signing it then.

[Platypus]

I can't really see the point of it

Why not just sign it? The effort will hardly be noticeable.

It would be nice to think it could be a pointer to you being outside IR35 as I assume employees don't sign a separate agreement? Whereas contractors always do (IME).

[rootsnall]

Just sign it and forget about it. I properly read my current contract for the first time in years, got into various arguments, realised the agent was clueless in all respects and I was wasting my time. Calmed down signed it and forgot about it

[The Lone Gunman]

Check it does not conflict with the contract. Id it does then add lines to make clear which is the superior document.
I always add lines stating that I retain all rights untill full payment has been made.

If there is no difference between the two docs then sign it.