Not me this time - Holiday hassle with client!

[psychocandy]

Not me honestly. Current client is good as gold - best I've ever had for things like this. (Pity rate is tulipe). Mate of mine....

Took a few 3 month extensions with client. Before last one, mentioned that he had holiday booked for two week half way through. Client says yeh yeh no problem.

Two weeks before planned holiday and they turn to him and say we're been thinking, we're too busy, so we want you in those two weeks after all. Mate is a bit shocked - its all booked and paid for so he'd be well out of pocket.

He aint sorted it yet but I know what I'd do. It would be a case of hard luck I've told you so its not up for discussion.

Had similar thing when I was permie. Told them yeh fine but better speak to the mrs not me and make her the financial offer to pay for a better holiday if you're forcing me to cancel this one. They didnt bother....

Another example of client assuming contractors are there to take the piss out of...

Anyone seen anything like this before?

I've been ok with things like this with clients to be fair. Had a few agencies who've stuck in the contract that they've got to 'authorise' leave but I get it taken out and tell them its between me and the client and sod all to do with them. I'll inform if they really want to but thats it.

[MicrosoftBob]

It's poor management, if you give enough notice and they can't hope

On the other hand it means they obviously desperately need his help, I'd go on holiday...lifes too short

[Troll]

I had a Programme Director tell me I couldn't take a holiday even though they had formally been made aware of my intentions for some time. I terminated the contract and went on holiday... as MB says, life really is too short

[Murder1]

If enough notice has been given to the client then I'd indicate that I'd be taken the time off regardless. In the past I've made an offer to remote in for a set number of hours but the rate would have to be agreed and usually the client decides it's not in their interests and is prepared to wait till I get back.

One of the benefits of having kids in school, the times when I can take holidays are pretty much set in stone so it's not like I can move it by a week or so.

[psychocandy]

It's poor management, if you give enough notice and they can't hope

On the other hand it means they obviously desperately need his help, I'd go on holiday...lifes too short

So thats 90% of clients who are poorly managed lol.

[kal]

I had a Programme Director tell me I couldn't take a holiday even though they had formally been made aware of my intentions for some time. I terminated the contract and went on holiday... as MB says, life really is too short

+1. Client seems to think he can have his cake and eat it, holiday agreed, take it.

[DirtyDog]

Two weeks before planned holiday and they turn to him and say we're been thinking, we're too busy, so we want you in those two weeks after all. Mate is a bit shocked - its all booked and paid for so he'd be well out of pocket.

"Well, I'm not personally available those weeks - would you like me to arrange someone else to cover for me in that time?"

It's simple - you are unavailable. If they want to make an offer to make up for it, then feel free to do so.

Current client has suggested that those of the team who have already booked Easter get "lower priority for holiday approval" for summer breaks, to make it fair on the permies who are in the team who haven't booked anything. I laughed, reminded them that I was a supplier, and pointed out that I have a right of substitution if they want me to get someone else in to cover for me.

[psychocandy]

"Well, I'm not personally available those weeks - would you like me to arrange someone else to cover for me in that time?"

It's simple - you are unavailable. If they want to make an offer to make up for it, then feel free to do so.

Current client has suggested that those of the team who have already booked Easter get "lower priority for holiday approval" for summer breaks, to make it fair on the permies who are in the team who haven't booked anything. I laughed, reminded them that I was a supplier, and pointed out that I have a right of substitution if they want me to get someone else in to cover for me.

Must admit (and don't tell HMRC) but I don't think I've ever worked somewhere where I've seen a sub used.

[curtis]

I have had this in a few contracts, one offered a 3 month extension and I informed them Ihad a 2 weeks holiday coming up that fell in those 3 months, I got told "I will check the calendar nearer the time and check thats ok with what might be going on"

I just ignored it, as I only had a weeks notice and the 2 weeks was close to my end of contract anyhow if they kicked up a fuss I would have given notice and gone on holiday which had already been booked for months before.

[DirtyDog]

Must admit (and don't tell HMRC) but I don't think I've ever worked somewhere where I've seen a sub used.

I've seen a couple, but they are the exception.

As soon as you say to the client "shall I get someone else in while I'm away for two weeks?", they will say not to bother and will be willing to wait for you to come back.