Contractors can get help collecting debts
A debt collector may be able to help contractors collect unpaid fees faster.
Contractors may get payback when the revenue acts wrongly
The Law Commission is seeking to impose 'duty of care' on the Revenue.
Contractors may keep the advance if wrongfully terminated
When a client or agency wrongfully terminates your contract, you can keep the advance even if the work hasn't started.
How contractors should handle restrictive covenants: part 2 - the law
This is a largely untested area of contract law. But the law is broadly against restraint of trade in any form, so the burden of proof is on those who are defending restrictive covenants.
How contractors should handle restrictive covenants: part 1 - the agencies
Many contracts between contractors and agencies include clauses called restrictive covenants: they prevent the contractor from working directly for the client and some others. Here's how they work.
Legal issues for contractors: an introduction
Contractors have rights and responsibilities, just like employees. But the law that governs contracting is very different from that which regulates permanent contracts.
Can contractors cut out their agent?
Maybe you can, legally, cut out the agent, but it's probably not a good idea. Changing agencies at the clients request is a better proposition.
Can agencies change contractor contracts midstream?
Suppose the client wants to change the conditions of your contract? You should be reasonable, but you do have rights.
Legal issues for contractors and agents
What are your legal options when you work with agents? This article follows the process through from the first contact to termination.
Agents should legally protect contractor data - including CVs
Are agencies protecting your personal information? The UK Information Commissioner doesn't think so, and is waging a campaign to see that they make greater efforts.
How contractors should handle contract renewals
Contractors are never obliged to accept contract renewals. Feel free to negotiate a new contract, and never accept an agent's telling you that you have some obligation resulting from the previous contract.
When contractors dispute working hours with clients
Some clients will simply pile on working hours without any consideration about what you've agreed to in the contract. Others will just add a few extra here and there. What are your rights?
A guide for contractors: terminating a contract
There are a number of issues contractors should be aware of if they choose to terminate their contracts.
First-time contracts for contractors
The principles of business law, how contracts are made, and what contractors should look for in their first contract.
How contractors should handle ongoing contracts
You can enter into ongoing contracts without fear of being caught. But attention should be paid to ensure compliance.
Contractors need to protect intellectual property
A clause in your contract will probably give all the rights to intellectual property developed on the job to your client. But you can negotiate a better deal.
Contractors should take care with verbal agreements
It’s fine to have a verbal agreement with your client or agent—these are valid contracts. Just take care in how you handle them.
Can contractors legally work for a subsidiary?
Can you work for a subsidiary of a client when your agency says you cannot?
Age discrimination and contractors
The Age Discrimination Act of October 2006 will not do much to help older contractors who cannot get work. Age discrimination is real in the contractor workplace, but there are some things you can do about it.
Unemployment benefits and contractors don’t mix
Can contractors claim benefits when they are out of work? We explain the issues.
What contractors need to know about the work time directive
UK contractors don’t want Brussels to tell them how many hours to work. UK contractors should fight like demons to keep Brussels from forcing us to adopt the work-time directive.