Contractors offer consultancy services to a company for a set period of time. Companies may choose to engage contractors instead of permanent staff to complete a one off project or to meet short term fluctuations in business activity.
Advantages
- Higher rates of pay
- Tax Savings (limited companies)
- Take holiday when you wish
- Exposure to a higher number of companies and individuals, thus gaining a greater breadth of experience
Disadvantages
- Having to adapt to different environments and work colleagues quicker
- No company benefits
- Statutory sick pay only
- Possible time out of work between contracts
- Less work during times of market difficulties or seasonal changes in demand
How do I start?
One of Just Architecture’s highly trained consultants will be very pleased to help you through the process. They will talk to you about the location and type of work that interests you, and then forward your CV to suitable clients. They will also give advice about the interview process, the requirements of particular roles and negotiate pay rates on your behalf at the appropriate time. And, once you have been offered a position, they will guide you through payroll administration processes to enable swift and accurate payment.
How do I get paid?
At the end of each week you will complete a timesheet with the number of hours / days worked and get your line manger to authorise it. You would then fax the timesheet to Just Architecture for processing. Just Architecture will make payment on the following Friday direct into your bank account by electronic transfer.
Can I work through my own Limited Company?
Yes. Contractors wishing to benefit from the Tax savings that Limited Companies offer, have two choices of how they would like to administer their affairs. The first choice would be to form your own limited company. You would be the director / sole shareholder of this business and would be responsible for all the tax and regulatory duties.
If you are put off by the additional administration, then businesses have emerged offering outsourcing solutions to contractors. These are known as umbrella or composite companies, and they will handle all the administrative duties for you. Please see ‘Useful Links’ page for information about Gabem Management Ltd, just one the many companies offering such services. |
