Treated like a permie

[Amiga500]

Granted, in these economic times one can't afford to be too fussy, but it really grates when a company insists on treating contractors like permies.

In my roles I usually use my own Ltd. company email address for correspondence and am treated as an external consultant - even bringing in resource myself on occasion and scheduling my time to deliver what I am being paid for with reasonable flexibility.

My current role however is hilarious - I have to use their email system with signature, have 'weekly 1:1 catch ups', will invariably be asked to take part in their '360 degree review' process soon, had to take a personality test, am expected to go to the pub for social drinks etc. etc. (which I have declined each time so far) and have to endure the ridiculous motivational crap plastered everywhere (give someone a thumbs-up for a job well done) ...

One of the reasons I became a contractor is because I like to work and manage myself and not be part of a mindless collective, I think from now on I will invest in some marketing and start finding contracts without agents where I can.

How do you all deal with this tulipe? At the moment I motivate myself by laughing at these ridiculous processes (not out loud) and counting the cash each day.

P.S. Doubly grating as a cushy contract within a cool design agency for a German car manufacturer was offered to me after I accepted this contract

[suityou01]

Granted, in these economic times one can't afford to be too fussy, but it really grates when a company insists on treating contractors like permies.

In my roles I usually use my own Ltd. company email address for correspondence and am treated as an external consultant - even bringing in resource myself on occasion and scheduling my time to deliver what I am being paid for with reasonable flexibility.

My current role however is hilarious - I have to use their email system with signature, have 'weekly 1:1 catch ups', will invariably be asked to take part in their '360 degree review' process soon, had to take a personality test, am expected to go to the pub for social drinks etc. etc. (which I have declined each time so far) and have to endure the ridiculous motivational crap plastered everywhere (give someone a thumbs-up for a job well done) ...

One of the reasons I became a contractor is because I like to work and manage myself and not be part of a mindless collective, I think from now on I will invest in some marketing and start finding contracts without agents where I can.

How do you all deal with this tulipe? At the moment I motivate myself by laughing at these ridiculous processes (not out loud) and counting the cash each day.

P.S. Doubly grating as a cushy contract within a cool design agency for a German car manufacturer was offered to me after I accepted this contract

Predictably expect the SasGuru sock puppet to come and crap all over this thread. He is an arse of biblical proportions. Quicky followed by his gimp Dim Prawn.

I sympathise mate. Same here. I have tried explaining to them that the more they treat my like a permie the worse it is for both them and my company. I have conceded that it is better to roll with the punches. If they want to pay you to do 1 to 1s rather than do what you are good at then more fool them. Try and smile inwardly and possibly visit trap 3 and count the cash your company just made while your primary consultant was taking a dump.

[oracleslave]

Predictably expect the SasGuru sock puppet to come and crap all over this thread. He is an arse of biblical proportions. Quicky followed by his gimp Dim Prawn.

I sympathise mate. Same here. I have tried explaining to them that the more they treat my like a permie the worse it is for both them and my company. I have conceded that it is better to roll with the punches. If they want to pay you to do 1 to 1s rather than do what you are good at then more fool them. Try and smile inwardly and possibly visit trap 3 and count the cash your company just made while your primary consultant was taking a dump.

If only we had a double thumbs up smilie

[DimPrawn]

Predictably expect the SasGuru sock puppet to come and crap all over this thread. He is an arse of biblical proportions. Quicky followed by his gimp Dim Prawn.

Made me laugh

[Pickle2]

am expected to go to the pub for social drinks etc. etc. (which I have declined each time so far)

You misserable twunt.

[The Lone Gunman]

Write an email to the team leader, management HR and your agent.
State your position as a contractor. Inform them that you ffel you are being used more as an employee in all but name and you would like your status and expected practices confirmed.
Point out that an IR35 caught contract is likely to be 35%-45% higher rate and that there is the possibility of associated employment law being applicable.

[suityou01]

Write an email to the team leader, management HR and your agent.
State your position as a contractor. Inform them that you ffel you are being used more as an employee in all but name and you would like your status and expected practices confirmed.
Point out that an IR35 caught contract is likely to be 35%-45% higher rate and that there is the possibility of associated employment law being applicable.

They'd would tell him that the rate has already been agreed and it's his problem Shirley?

[The Lone Gunman]

They'd would tell him that the rate has already been agreed and it's his problem Shirley?

If the rate has already been agreed then so have all the other terms. IR35 status is dependant on working practice, not what the contract says. If the practice doesnt match the contract then we have every right to change our end, or declare it as a sham and walk away.
I am still waiting for the PCG to follow up lost IR35 case with a fraud charge against the client and agent when they stand up in court and state that the contract delivered was a sham.

[Amiga500]

If the rate has already been agreed then so have all the other terms. IR35 status is dependant on working practice, not what the contract says. If the practice doesnt match the contract then we have every right to change our end, or declare it as a sham and walk away.
I am still waiting for the PCG to follow up lost IR35 case with a fraud charge against the client and agent when they stand up in court and state that the contract delivered was a sham.

I understand your point, it's just with the market as it is, the luxury of walking away seems to have eroded somewhat. Guess I'll just grimace and bear it - and line up another contract in the background.

[The Lone Gunman]

I understand your point, it's just with the market as it is, the luxury of walking away seems to have eroded somewhat. Guess I'll just grimace and bear it - and line up another contract in the background.

You do not have to walk away, but a letter from them stating intent at least gives you something to base the decision on. You might get lucky. HR and management might agree with you and make sure your working practices meet your expectations.