• Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
  • Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!

Want to break current contract to work elsewhere

Collapse
X
  •  
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Want to break current contract to work elsewhere

    Hi All.

    First time posting here and a (probably) really elementary question...

    I've been on my first ever contract for the last 4+ years (permanent employment whole career up to then) and I may now be looking to leave.

    If I get the gig I went for, I'll be wanting to terminate my current contract with 2 months to go on it. Could that cause problems? And is my current client likely to make me work my 1 month notice period? Everything I've read on here suggests notice periods are meaningless in the case of a Ltd company, providing services, contract... at least it is when the shoe is on the other foot. Just trying to work out what to expect.

    If you've been in this situation before what did you do and how did it go?

    Also, who do I officially terminate with?... my agency, or the company I'm providing services to?

    Any experience / help / stories much appreciated

    #2
    Originally posted by shedges76 View Post
    If I get the gig I went for, I'll be wanting to terminate my current contract with 2 months to go on it. Could that cause problems?
    Maybe - the agent will get annoyed. The client may be annoyed. And if they have the chance in the future where they can work with someone else instead of you, there's always the risk that they will remember the past and decide to work with someone else instead of you. Alternatively, the client or agency may not care and will work with you again in a heartbeat for whatever reason.

    Originally posted by shedges76 View Post
    And is my current client likely to make me work my 1 month notice period?
    You know your client better than anyone on here - how well do they need you? If they need you and there's no-one else that can step in to do your work quickly then I would expect the client to try to hold you to the contract that you signed and complete your notice period. If they don't want you around then I would expect you to be told to leave immediately (as long as you don't then complain that they didn't keep you around for your notice period if it suits you).

    Originally posted by shedges76 View Post
    Everything I've read on here suggests notice periods are meaningless in the case of a Ltd company, providing services, contract... at least it is when the shoe is on the other foot. Just trying to work out what to expect.
    I'm not sure that's entirely accurate. In some situations, you will find that the contract will say that you only get paid for the days / hours that you work - so if the client terminates the contract then you may not get paid for time that you didn't work. That's not the same as saying that all notice periods are meaningless - particularly in the case of the client holding the contractor to the agreement they made.

    Originally posted by shedges76 View Post
    If you've been in this situation before what did you do and how did it go?
    I gave notice once - client asked me to stay but they were in BAU on a short-term contract by that stage and I wanted to be doing another project instead of watching the support situation. I worked my week's notice and went to the next client with everyone happy.

    Originally posted by shedges76 View Post
    Also, who do I officially terminate with?... my agency, or the company I'm providing services to?
    You can only terminate the contract that you have. It is considered polite and good manners to inform the client as well, but you don't have a contract with them so there is nothing that you can terminate with them.
    Best Forum Advisor 2014
    Work in the public sector? You can read my FAQ here
    Click here to get 15% off your first year's IPSE membership

    Comment


      #3
      If I get the gig I went for, I'll be wanting to terminate my current contract with 2 months to go on it. Could that cause problems? And is my current client likely to make me work my 1 month notice period? Everything I've read on here suggests notice periods are meaningless in the case of a Ltd company, providing services, contract... at least it is when the shoe is on the other foot. Just trying to work out what to expect.

      If you've been in this situation before what did you do and how did it go?

      Also, who do I officially terminate with?... my agency, or the company I'm providing services to?

      Any experience / help / stories much appreciated

      Have you read your contract?
      Who is it with?
      What does it say with regards to you terminating early, re. the notice?

      If you want stories, I suggest you post in General, its the "Readers Wives" of CUK.
      General

      Plenty of good story tellers on there.

      HTH.
      Last edited by MrMarkyMark; 26 June 2017, 17:02.
      The Chunt of Chunts.

      Comment


        #4
        You have not got the gig yet! Wait until you get the gig. Once client has made their mind up they tend to want to wait for the person they want.

        Give 1 month on your current contract to your agent. Inform the client out of politeness.

        How busy are you? Do you mind burning bridges? Can you invoke your right of substitution?

        Generally its best to work out your notice. If not throw a sickie.

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by shedges76 View Post
          Hi All.
          Also, who do I officially terminate with?... my agency, or the company I'm providing services to?
          You need to understand this better. It's what you do.. Hint.. CONTRACTor. This is your livelihood and your business. Need to get a grasp of the basics.
          'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by BrilloPad View Post
            You have not got the gig yet! Wait until you get the gig. Once client has made their mind up they tend to want to wait for the person they want.

            Give 1 month on your current contract to your agent. Inform the client out of politeness.

            How busy are you? Do you mind burning bridges? Can you invoke your right of substitution?

            Generally its best to work out your notice. If not throw a sickie.
            Realistically this rarely happens, does it.

            OP - you should check you contract to see what the notice period is, secure the new role, serve notice to current client, leave on happy terms with current client. Don't worry about repeat work if your skills are transferable. If they are niche then tread a little more carefully.
            ______________________
            Don't get mad...get even...

            Comment


              #7
              Thanks for the replies.

              I am on good terms with current client, hence 4+ years and counting. If I do get offered the other role I'll obviously offer to work my notice here. Was just interested to hear if others had done this and what their experience was.

              The project I'm on (which is the only IT project client is currently running, due to its size) has quietened down recently, with 30th June being a big deadline. Also, senior IT leadership keeps stating how they want to alter the % split of contractors vs perm staff... of course, the wrong way for me.

              So I think I'm justified in looking elsewhere... it's just difficult to get one contract to start exactly as the other ends. That's life I guess.

              Fingers crossed I get to use the benefit of your wisdom all

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by shedges76 View Post
                Thanks for the replies.

                I am on good terms with current client, hence 4+ years and counting. If I do get offered the other role I'll obviously offer to work my notice here. Was just interested to hear if others had done this and what their experience was.

                The project I'm on (which is the only IT project client is currently running, due to its size) has quietened down recently, with 30th June being a big deadline. Also, senior IT leadership keeps stating how they want to alter the % split of contractors vs perm staff... of course, the wrong way for me.

                So I think I'm justified in looking elsewhere... it's just difficult to get one contract to start exactly as the other ends. That's life I guess.

                Fingers crossed I get to use the benefit of your wisdom all
                Why not take a week or two off? You've been there 4 years I'd want a break.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by gables View Post
                  Why not take a week or two off? You've been there 4 years I'd want a break.


                  Believe it or not... I have actually taken breaks during that time. I know the stereotype is of a contractor works every day possible, but that's not me. I have to have a holiday now and again. Keeps me sane. And while the business bank account as a few £100s less in it, it's worth it imo.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by kaiser78 View Post
                    Realistically this rarely happens, does it.
                    You're right. In the real-world, 99% of contractor's RoS clauses are a sham as the client would never entertain the idea of another person coming in under the same contract (that's why, at the beginning, the client interviews YOU and asks about YOUR personal skills and ability to do the job, not whether your "Limited" can do the job).

                    However, if the OP's contract does have a RoS clause, then having the OP attempt to strictly enforce the right to substitute could force the client's hand and have them terminate OP's contract with probably zero notice at all!

                    Comment

                    Working...
                    X