Contractor doctor: if I contract at a former employers can I claim for travel?
Should your former employer offer you a contract, you still have all the rights contractors are entitled to. But you have to be very careful about status.
Contractor doctor: can I sue the agent for failing to give notice?
If your agent doesn't respect the terms in your contract regarding notice, you still get paid. But you should be careful not to overreact and breach the contract yourself.
Contractor doctor: after 24 months at a client site, do travel expenses get repaid?
You do not have to repay travel expenses when you work more than 24 months at a client site.
Contractor doctor: can the agent renew my contract automatically?
An agent cannot renew your contract unless there is a clause in it that allows for automatic renewal.
Contractor doctor: should I accept an early contract renewal offer?
A contractor asks advice about renewing a contract 2 months early with no rate rise.
Contractor doctor: does length or number of contracts affect IR35 status?
Does how long you work at a place, or the fact that you have several different contracts affect your status?
Contractor doctor: can I sue for a a last-minute contract cancellation?
If the client cancels at the last minute, you probably have the right to get some money for the time and effort you've made.
Contractor doctor: why can't I use the company canteen?
Contractors can't expect to use the company canteen or to enjoy other employee rights because they risk falling inside.
Contractor doctor: what is my tax situation if I contract for a US company?
Contractors may find themselves offered work by US-based companies. They can accept this without concern, and expect UK working conditions. But the culture gap is something to be aware of.
Contractor doctor: do agents require references before putting forward my cv?
Agents have a right to ask for references. But they probably will put you forward without them at first, and those who insist may not even have real jobs to offer you. You need to sort out the rubbish when dealing with agents
Contractor doctor: i've signed a terrible deal. what can I do?
If you sign a bad contract, there is little to be done about it. But you should hear warning bells when the agent asks for certain things. And there may be some help you can expect from the client.
Contractor doctor: can my agent force a margin increase on renewal?
Agents like to force through margin increases when contract renewal time comes up. They have the right to try to do this, but they cannot oblige you to do it.
Contractor doctor: can the client use threat of termination?
Clients shouldn't pressure contractors with threats of termination but in case they do, contractors should have their 'escape pod' of proof of delivery prepared.
Contractor doctor: how can I avoid late contract renewals?
Contractors should politely pressure agents and clients to ensure that they don't get too short contracts or too short renewals.
Contractor doctor: did I breach the contract by leaving early?
If your contract doesn't permit termination, you have to stay the time. Leave early and you could be liable for damages.
Contractor doctor: can I go contracting even though I might become unwell?
Under normal conditions, contractors don't get sick pay. But they can get insurance that will cover days lost to illness, assuming they aren't missing work due to a pre-existing condition.
Contractor doctor: what's best - permanent for £3.5k or contract for £4k?
Someone is offered £3,500 per month as a permie, or £4,000 per month as a contractor. What's the best deal?
Contractor doctor: what's the difference between temping and contracting?
There is a clear difference between contractors, temps, and agency workers.
Contractor doctor: how can I chase a large debt - over £50k?
An agency has failed to pay a contractor for three months and owes them £50K. It's not a small claim, under £5k. We explain the process for collecting the money.
Contractor doctor: can I contract direct if the agent is uncooperative?
If an agent who has contracted with you in the past refuses to handle your contract renewal, go straight to the client.
Contractor doctor: how do I work for a us-based company from the uk?
If you have your own limited company, then working for a US-based company is no different from working for one over here.
Contractor doctor: how can I deal with an overseas agency who won't pay?
Contractors who work overseas can get help from industry organisations. But legal protection is better.
Contractor doctor: can contractors run two businesses from one company?
Contractors have every right to run as many businesses as they choose from their limited companies. There are a few issues they should be aware of.
Contractor doctor: can contractors take holidays when they want to?
This client has told the contractor that they cannot take off any time for holidays over the summer at all. Can they legally do this? Where does the contractor stand?
Contractor doctor: can clients terminate you before the contract ends?
This agency sent a contractor home a week early and threatened to refuse a reference if the contractor didn't go. The contractor can sue for the full value of the contract, and he can even take action about the reference.
Contractor doctor: am I legally obliged to train the client's staff?
Contractors do not have to provide services over and above those agreed in the contract, and clients cannot expect contractors to do so.
Contractor doctor: can agencies change the rate of pay mid-contract?
This agency is trying to change the rate due to a contractor on a contract that is already in force. They have no legal right to do this. Contractors shouldn't stand for it.
Contractor doctor: do I need to be an expert to go contracting?
What level of skills do you need to go contracting?
Contractor doctor: can I claim food expenses and without receipts?
A contractor enquiries if they can claim for unreciepted food expenses.
Contractor doctor: is renting a home near the contract site an allowable expense?
Contractors who rent a place to live near where they are working can deduct almost all expenses if the accomodation they are renting isn't their principal place of residence.