Agencies again..and again..

[BABABlackSheep]

We’re now firmly in the window of uncertainty with even 3 month contracts in danger of paying a PSC into April 2020 IR35 changes.

So, why I’m I having this continual issue with agents telling me contracts will be outside IR35 “certainly at the start”.

Almost all agents are clueless on this. I certainly don’t want to start a gig that flips half way through from out to in.

All you can do is go through all the hassle of getting the contract and then getting it professionally reviewed, but then even that’s no guarantee if the clients determines inside later or in-fact you find working practices are infact inside.

Clock is ticking and agents and clients are mostly still dozing through this. It’s incredible how poor this has been handed by them.

[ladymuck]

I wonder if a lot of companies are waiting for the budget to see if it's in there or not.

[BABABlackSheep]

I wonder if a lot of companies are waiting for the budget to see if it's in there or not.

Perhaps. I’m finding so many contracts are failing to materialise. Usually get told the position is “on hold”, or client “re-assessing their requirements”, which is code for looking for a permie.

Looking like I might have to take a short extension, which I really didn’t want to do.

[hairymouse]

Perhaps. I’m finding so many contracts are failing to materialise. Usually get told the position is “on hold”, or client “re-assessing their requirements”, which is code for looking for a permie.

Looking like I might have to take a short extension, which I really didn’t want to do.

I'm finding this as well. My CV gets submitted, maybe even a telephone interview, then nothing. Or maybe an email from the agent that says the position is on hold.

Thankfully Christmas seems to have stopped all that nonsense and all that's left is silence.

[drmouse]

It's not a huge amount better with an existing contract.

In my current contract, although I discussed the reforms with both agent and client before accepting the contract and received assurances that it would be "outside", I've now heard a different story from within that nothing is decided yet. Others have been told they are unlikely to be renewed beyond April, and I'm waiting to hear what my position will be (contract goes past April right now). Many I know at other clients are in the same boat.

[northernladuk]

I'm finding this as well. My CV gets submitted, maybe even a telephone interview, then nothing. Or maybe an email from the agent that says the position is on hold.

Thankfully Christmas seems to have stopped all that nonsense and all that's left is silence.

Exactly the same with me. Agents hate it as well. It's like permie recruiting at the moment. It's surreal.

[BABABlackSheep]

I'm finding this as well. My CV gets submitted, maybe even a telephone interview, then nothing. Or maybe an email from the agent that says the position is on hold.

Thankfully Christmas seems to have stopped all that nonsense and all that's left is silence.

Indeed.

I’ve not had a single agency come back and say my cv was rejected. Really positive recruiters, phone, video conferencing, texts flying around, then radio silence from many.

The only time a client has actually spoken to me was... you guessed it, a permie role. I know..drastic measures, but I’ve pitched my salary so high, hopefully I won’t have to make a decision

[ComplianceLady]

In my experience clients are holding off on communicating when they think the role is inside or are considering a policy decision of PAYE only. Originally I think this was until the finance bill but now the election and possibly longer. They don't want to unnecessarily cause disruption. If the client has an assessment process and has even an indicative 'outside' status it would be shouted from the rooftops by those filling the role.

[BABABlackSheep]

In my experience clients are holding off on communicating when they think the role is inside or are considering a policy decision of PAYE only. Originally I think this was until the finance bill but now the election and possibly longer. They don't want to unnecessarily cause disruption. If the client has an assessment process and has even an indicative 'outside' status it would be shouted from the rooftops by those filling the role.

Spot on.

Initially(4-6 weeks ago), I was thinking I need to get another contract ASAP as I don’t want to be like looking around March with the rest of the contract market.
Now I feel it’s too late and I’m going to extend till then. Hopefully all the uncertainty will be resolved.

[ComplianceLady]

Spot on.

Initially(4-6 weeks ago), I was thinking I need to get another contract ASAP as I don’t want to be like looking around March with the rest of the contract market.
Now I feel it’s too late and I’m going to extent till then. Hopefully all the uncertainty will be resolved.

It's frustrating as it's quite easy for HMG to say 'business have had plenty of time to prepare' but in reality it's hard to do that without the final text, then throwing an election plus promises from every party to 'review' creates paralysis. I expect it to go through in feb and it to be a mad dash - leading to more blanket or knee jerk decisions. Budget will be 8 weeks after election so we won't have any real certainty till then.

Mose big business know what they're doing, they just aren't necessarily sharing it. A lot of clients are saying they're reducing contractor numbers which begs the question why they had them if they could have resourced in another way. It'll come around but it will take time I think.