Candidate FAQ's
I am new to agency working, how do I decide whether to trade as a SOLE TRADER, PAYE or LIMITED COMPANY?
Well there is no definitive answer as everyones personal circumstances are different. We would recommend you seek the advice of an independent accountant before making a decision. It is important to mention that a Sole Trader will not be able to undertake interim placement work ... and will be limited to 'price per inspection' type of work, where they are not under the direction of the client.
As a LIMITED COMPANY Contractor do I have to provide my own professional insurances ?
All of our contractors whether Limited or PAYE are covered by our own professional insurances with no exceptions (only whilst working for J&A). Further details are available by contacting James and Associates. Current levels are as follows:
- Professional Indemnity £5million
- Public Liability £5million
- Employers Liability £10million
Other agencies may not provide the same level of cover and we would always suggest that you check and request detailed confirmation in writing.
Do I get a formal contract covering any assignment I undertake through you ?
Upon registering with James and Associates you will be provided with our terms of engagement. These lay out all of your rights such as holiday entitlement, sick pay etc etc. You will be advised on an assignment by assignment basis of pay terms such as rates.
What terms of notice do I have to give if I wish to terminate a contract ?
This varies on an assigment by assignment basis. We do like to think that a week is acceptable for short to medium term contracts and anything up to a month for longer term assignments.
Would you submit my CV for a job without asking me first ?
Certainly not. Firstly, you need to know exactly who the potential client is ... and then you will need to give specific permission, preferably by email, prior to submitting your CV for that position … permission needs to be specifically given in each and every case. This is a requirement laid out in the 'The Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003' s.19
This is a really important issue as there is nothing more frustrating for candidates, clients and agencies, to have the same candidates being submitted by a number of agencies … often without the knowledge of the candidate.
How often will I be paid ?
We pay all of our candidates weekly. All timesheets received by lunchtime on the Tuesday following the week of work, will be credited via BACS to your bank account on the Friday.
Am I entitled to sickpay ?
PAYE candidates are entitled to sick pay as long as they fulfill the required criteria. Limited company contractors have no entitlement.
Am I entitled to holiday pay ?
All PAYE candidates are entitled to holiday pay. Limited Company candidates have no holiday entitlement whatsoever. For detailed information please refer to Section 5 STATUTORY LEAVE of the PAYE terms using the document link above.
Why does a Limited Company get paid more than a person on PAYE ?
A Limited Company contractor does not get paid more than a PAYE contractor. They are simply paid in a different way. Please see the following example:
Limited Company Rate : £10.00 per hour - No Holiday, No Sick, No NI.
PAYE Rate: £8.05 per hour + Holiday £0.82 (Holiday or WTR is calculated at 0.1017 =4.8 weeks) On top of this is Employers National Insurance - We have to pay this to the government on your behalf this is currently set at 12.8% so for this example thats £1.13.
So £8.05 Basic + £0.82 WTR + EMPNI £1.13 = £10.00 the same as the Limited Company Contractor.
please note these formulas are for guidance only.