Contracting (again)

[Bullett]

I was made redundant recently and as such am searching for work. One of my options is to contract, there seems to be plenty of work available and the time-scales are good. The headline day rate (at 220 days per year) takes me to a salary 30% higher than my previous wage.

I think going Limited seems to be the best option (for the tax advantages it can bring) and setting up a company seems simple enough. I'll also need an accountant who specialises in this area, any suggestions on where to find someone suitable and is a face to face relationship preferable over a remote one? I'm in the Thames Valley so as this is IT central I assume specialists will be based in the area.

Finally what is this "The Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003" the agency I have talked to have asked if I want to opt out. I'm getting contrary information from google as to if this actually applies and if I should opt out or not. Any views?

[Olivera]

A salary 30% higher than the equivalent permanent position doesn't sound particularly generous. Remember to factor into your figures the lack of a company pension, sick pay, holiday pay, company share options, plus the additional costs of accountancy fees and insurance.

If this works out roughly similar then you are better off with another permanent job where you can't be discarded at a moments notice and are not on a short fixed term. Don't sell yourself short, compare rates with other similar contract roles and always negotiate

[yajeed]

If you want to get an idea of the going rates then post your skillset and experience. I take on contractors across many IT disciplines so have a fair idea of going rates, as will others.

[Bullett]

Primarily Cisco contact centre (UCCE, CVP and UCCX) with some Aspect UIP and related technology skills, consultant, pre-sales, design, deploy and support experience 15 years. Is the area, my research suggests 400-500pd is typical.

[yajeed]

Bullett said:

Primarily Cisco contact centre (UCCE, CVP and UCCX) with some Aspect UIP and related technology skills, consultant, pre-sales, design, deploy and support experience 15 years. Is the area, my research suggests 400-500pd is typical.

Sorry - I knew that already, didn't realise you were the OP.

You're not going to want to hear this, but your expectations are pretty high judging by the CV's that have been across my desk in the last few days. I think £350 is more likely unless you're prepared to work in London every day IMHO with the view that the agency will charge you out at around £400.

Maybe your specialisation over a standard CCIE/Voice type person will command a higher rate that I've been seeing, but I'm not sure it will.

[Bullett]

Thanks. There is certainly a role on the table at 450 (in the city) most I have seen have been later 3's to early 4's so there does appear to be a bit of a premium over CCIE or standard voice.