Start my new job soon! But need some help

Joe_S

Hello fine people of the boards! I'm due to start a new job soon in what seems to be quite an interesting role, however I'm a little thrown off with something and want some help, now the job is via agency and the contract is classed as temp, however the duration when I applied states "ongoing-minimum 3 months" and on my confirmation email reads "ongoing-3 months initially" it sounds like a daft question, but is that basically saying if I pass the three months then my employment will continue?

Many thanks guys

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

Almost certainly not. Without seeing the whole thing it is far more likely to mean that the contract may or may not be extended regardless of your performance (unless your performance is dreadful, obviously) and dependent on the needs of the business. I would imagine if they word it like that that they think it will probably continue, but it's far from a guarantee.

Are you being paid by the agency or by the company you are for working for/with?

ThemeOne

You would have to consult your contract with the agency for a conclusive answer, but my guess is this is basically meaningless.

It's probably just a case that the client told the agency they wanted someone for at least 3 months. It may continue beyond that, either continuing as an agency temp, or converting to a permanent role but don't necessarily assume it will. It could be, for example, the client has created a new role and want to see how it works out before they commit to having someone in it permanently.

Incidentally I also believe you would be free to leave within the 3 months if you chose to do so. I once took a temp job that was similarly worded by the agency, and left before the 3 months as I didn't like it. The agency was not at all pleased, but there was nothing they could do.

flightboy

If its temp to perm then it would be the same situation i was in this year where you have to work for the company but be paid via the agency for a minimum of 12 weeks...then he company can hire you themselves ( or keep you agency which costs them more )

I was glad when i switched over but really i think 12 weeks is just so they can get some money from finding you

Joe_S

Hello all and many thanks for your replies, I've just spoken to the agency and she stated that it's 3 months to begin with and should I continue to do well in the role so on and so forth then employment would be on going, I'm assuming if there's work still available in the role

Doshwaster

ScorpiondeRooftrouser wrote: »

Almost certainly not. Without seeing the whole thing it is far more likely to mean that the contract may or may not be extended regardless of your performance (unless your performance is dreadful, obviously) and dependent on the needs of the business. I would imagine if they word it like that that they think it will probably continue, but it's far from a guarantee.

That's right. It can be a crappy way of working but more and more companies are moving to a model where they use agencies/contractors to bring in people when needed. In my last job I was on a 12 month contract which got extended by 6 months. I was fully expecting it to be extended again, I wanted to stop, my boss (and his boss) wanted me to stop but there were some budget cuts further up the food chain so it was the non-permanent staff who were first up against the wall.

What your contract with the agency says is important to what happens when your placement with the client ends. I'm permanently (or as permanent as anything gets these days!) by my agency so it's in their interests to get me into another position as soon as possible. I spent a few weeks at home over the summer on full pay (which was nice) until something suitable came along. However, other agencies will employ people for specific contracts so when it ends you are out of a job. They may find you something else but they are under no obligation to and won't pay you in the meantime.

ThemeOne

As long as you know nothing's guaranteed under this kind of setup even, I would suggest, the initial 3 months.

But it sounds like you're now going in with your eyes open so hope it all works out and it converts to a permanent job eventually, if that's what you want.

Joe_S

I suppose if I go in with a positive attitude and just keep my head down and get on with it, then you never know! Hopefully though it's something I enjoy and it's something that will be ongoing