Posted By gham I Had never thought about it before but now I have had the seed planted by a recruiter who believes that I would be suitable (or may be bull) Could you please share your contracting experiences, my concerns are mainly regarding gap between contract but all pointers would be appriciated G'

Posted By Descarte In my first contract position now after being in permanent employment. Seemed like a crazy idea to go from a perm to temp conracted job but there are various pro's and con's of doing it. Pro's Greater flexibility in work type, location and industry Greater pay / salary ranges Greater experience across a range of fields can offer you pay insurance of sorts incase you cant find work or become unemployed etc. Tax relief's and such things as work and IT equipment, tax claims, subsistance claims if working away from "home" for less than 2 years, mileage to and from work is claimable Con's No holiday /sickness pay / entitlement though depending on your agency/umbrella co. No job security as such, though you will have a contracted period No employer contributions to pensions but again agency/umbrella offer tax incentives on contributions so pay less tax or no tax cant remember on pension cont's May require moving around (only a con if you din't like moving around) Less job satisfaction? dunno about this one, maybe as you may be implementing safety systems and schemes during your time on contract and not there to see benefits So there are a range of benefits and losses I guess it depends where your priorities lay and what you are wanting to do. I found a great opportunity to start in my first management position with a super pay rise on a years contract working in a lovely area of the country which could pave my way for further higher positions in a similar industry. I would just make sure you know the job you will be doing and ask lots of questions in an interview and get clarification from the agency etc about pay and stuff before signing anything. If you need any further information about sorting out your taxes and umbrella companies etc.. I would glady post my experiences on that too as I have had a few already :-) good and bad so don't worry about that Des