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Please delete - re posted on small business, txs

gettingready
gettingready Posts: 11,330 Forumite
10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
I normally work on a daily rate but recently got an offer of a new contract and some strange (to me) set up was offered.

The client wants to pay per hour - it would be daily rate/7.5 hours so theoretically mathematically at least this would make no difference BUT...

It is already at half my usual daily rate but not much around at the moment so could live with that). AND this particular contract would involve working shifts and weekends/nights (which I have never done while contracting before) and all are paid at the same flat rate.

37.5 hours per week could be split over however many days per week they wish - I always ever worked 5 days per week.

I have heard from contractors working in that particular place that often they were called in for a day but then sent home after just 3-4 hours.

No "overtime" rates.

Essentially, this role in my head is being offered on a temp and not contractor basis and frankly I am reluctant to accept.

Previously any overtime was paid at 1.5x in all the other contracts I have worked and night/late evenings/weekends were extra pay.

This just offers a flat rate per hour.

Any contractors on here came across this kind of set up?

Very strange to me.

Thanks

Also - has anyone worked in Qatar? That is another option now but not sure if this would wok for a single woman like myself , had a look at various forums/pages and mostly info from wives from men working there.. sighhhh

Comments

  • footyguy
    footyguy Posts: 4,157 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 12 May 2015 at 9:06AM
    I normally work on a daily rate but recently got an offer of a new contract and some strange (to me) set up was offered.

    The client wants to pay per hour - it would be daily rate/7.5 hours so theoretically mathematically at least this would make no difference BUT...

    It is already at half my usual daily rate but not much around at the moment so could live with that). AND this particular contract would involve working shifts and weekends/nights (which I have never done while contracting before) and all are paid at the same flat rate.

    37.5 hours per week could be split over however many days per week they wish - I always ever worked 5 days per week.

    I have heard from contractors working in that particular place that often they were called in for a day but then sent home after just 3-4 hours.

    No "overtime" rates.

    Essentially, this role in my head is being offered on a temp and not contractor basis and frankly I am reluctant to accept.

    Previously any overtime was paid at 1.5x in all the other contracts I have worked and night/late evenings/weekends were extra pay.

    This just offers a flat rate per hour.

    Any contractors on here came across this kind of set up?

    Very strange to me.

    Thanks

    Also - has anyone worked in Qatar? That is another option now but not sure if this would wok for a single woman like myself , had a look at various forums/pages and mostly info from wives from men working there.. sighhhh

    You probably won't find many contractors here. This is the employment board, so people here would probably be employees (and those seeking employment).
    Contractors are, by definition, in business so you would probably be best off on the Small Biz board.

    As in all forms of business, it's for the customer & client to agree terms.

    As you say, you are reluctant to accept the terms on offer. Therefore try to ply your services elsewhere.

    However, I also note you say "not much around at the moment".

    It is entirely common in business to be paid on a hourly or daily basis, as it is to be paid for a complete task.

    You need to be aware of the differences that apply to being paid hourly or daily.

    It is also common in most business contracts paid on a hourly or daily basis that they are paid on a flat rate basis, irrespective of the number of hours worked, time they are worked, or days that are worked. e.g. you call out an emergency plumber; would you be prepared to pay more for say their 3rd hour compared to what you paid for their second hour?

    However you may be able to negotiate premium rates. Similarly, the client may wish to negotiate rebates for late completion, etc.

    Ultimately, if you are to succeed in business, you need to factor all these variables into the rate you charge ... and never be afraid to walk away from a deal that you are not happy with.
  • gettingready
    gettingready Posts: 11,330 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 12 May 2015 at 9:22AM
    Thanks - not sure my field can be compared to business that a plumber etc run. I work as IT Trainer. All contracts in my field are on daily rate so I am very surprised with the proposed T&C of this one as it has too many red flags as far as I can see.

    Perhaps I have posted in the wrong section - perhaps a moderator could move it please?

    Thanks
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