Do you Opt In or Out of IR35.....really?!

[kevpuk]

So, just had a call from a friendly agent, to discuss a role - which actually sounds pretty interesting, by all accounts, and might dovetail in nicely with my current gig winding down.
After the usual shenanigans around 'what sort of rate do you look for' and 'any chance you could finish current gig early'......he led me through a few 'standard questions'. These started well, like 'what is your Nationality' and 'are you eligible to work in the UK'.....but then came the 'Do you opt in or out of IR35'

Do Agents really not get the message on what IR35 is?!

[northernladuk]

Why should they care, it is our problem. Try and imagine the number of contractors they deal with that know even less as well. I think he may not mean IR35 though which is a total f up on their part.

[eek]

So, just had a call from a friendly agent, to discuss a role - which actually sounds pretty interesting, by all accounts, and might dovetail in nicely with my current gig winding down.
After the usual shenanigans around 'what sort of rate do you look for' and 'any chance you could finish current gig early'......he led me through a few 'standard questions'. These started well, like 'what is your Nationality' and 'are you eligible to work in the UK'.....but then came the 'Do you opt in or out of IR35'

Do Agents really not get the message on what IR35 is?!

They want you to opt out and worked out the 1 phrase that ensures 90% of people say opt out.

[Taita]

So, just had a call from a friendly agent, to discuss a role - which actually sounds pretty interesting, by all accounts, and might dovetail in nicely with my current gig winding down.
After the usual shenanigans around 'what sort of rate do you look for' and 'any chance you could finish current gig early'......he led me through a few 'standard questions'. These started well, like 'what is your Nationality' and 'are you eligible to work in the UK'.....but then came the 'Do you opt in or out of IR35'

Do Agents really not get the message on what IR35 is?!

Yep! Many of them do not know anything about IR35 (or any other rules and regulations governing agencies) although somebody in the company will be aware of it. At the sales desk level they are not really interested as they are confident their bosses have drafted contracts which protect them personally from any repercussions.

Not much point in trying to enlighten them as little of what you say will sink in. Down to us to ensure our contracts fit the situation which is not a great hardship because most agencies seem used to contract reviews these days.

The nationality/eligibility questions are standard fare as the defence against a breach of immigration law is to be able to demonstrate that you have gone through the motions. So even if you are fair skinned and speak old fashioned BBC English and your cv indicates that all of your schooling and the last 15 years of work was in the UK, you will get asked the stupid, inappropriate sounding questions. It's called box ticking!

[jmo21]

and 'any chance you could finish current gig early'

I had the following conversation the other day:

Agent: just wondering what your current situation is?
Me: I'm in contract til December
Agent: would you considering leaving it early for a permanent role
Me: *click*

[MPwannadecentincome]

I had the following conversation the other day:

Agent: just wondering what your current situation is?
Me: I'm in contract til December
Agent: would you considering leaving it early for a permanent role
Me: *click*

My standard answer on that is "Yes I will consider it if the pay is £X00,000 per annum" - just name your price!

[psychocandy]

Agents dont give a monkeys about IR35. Why should they? They dont care how much tax the contractor pays.

IMHO - it just ends up as a hassle for them when contractor gets contract change. If it was up to them they'd get everyone in on the same contract.

[NotAllThere]

My standard answer on that is "Yes I will consider it if the pay is £X00,000 per annum" - just name your price!

Careful with that. They might agree to it! (Happened to me once).

[kevpuk]

They want you to opt out and worked out the 1 phrase that ensures 90% of people say opt out.

Indeed - I did (sigh!) point out that one does not opt in or opt out of IR35, because it comes down entirely to one's working practices and contract on an indvidual contract basis.....which resulted in confused silence......and then I followed up with 'are you talking about Conduct Regulations'.....which resulted in 'ermmmmm...."



Still, all things considered, it seems like an interesting role, and it may well fit nicely with when current gig comes to a close. Will see how it all pans out