When is a contract not a contract? advice ...
Jan 12th 2012, 7:59 pm
#1
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 388
When is a contract not a contract? advice ...
So, here is the situation:
I was registered with an agency. I was told they had a position ... I'd work for the first month and as long as things turned out OK then the position would be for 6 months, maternity cover. I went for the interview, got the job.
Within the first few days I signed a letter (not via the agency but the university). The letter stated " I am pleased etc etc to confirm your position etc etc from 12/12/11 to 11/06/12, No mention in this letter of hours or salary. Just a straightforward acceptance of the position.
The agency, however, pays me weekly.
Today I have been told by HR, that there was a mistake. It is not for 6 months, it is on a weekly basis. It would be more than likely be for a lot less than 6 months but when the job comes up - I could always apply for it.
My position??? anyone???
I was registered with an agency. I was told they had a position ... I'd work for the first month and as long as things turned out OK then the position would be for 6 months, maternity cover. I went for the interview, got the job.
Within the first few days I signed a letter (not via the agency but the university). The letter stated " I am pleased etc etc to confirm your position etc etc from 12/12/11 to 11/06/12, No mention in this letter of hours or salary. Just a straightforward acceptance of the position.
The agency, however, pays me weekly.
Today I have been told by HR, that there was a mistake. It is not for 6 months, it is on a weekly basis. It would be more than likely be for a lot less than 6 months but when the job comes up - I could always apply for it.
My position??? anyone???
Jan 12th 2012, 10:40 pm
#2
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Location: Calgary, AB
Posts: 487
Re: When is a contract not a contract? advice ...
Sounds like a temp position not an actual job and either the agency got the terms of the position wrong or the university didn't provide the agency with the right information about the position.
No, you didn't sign any contract, and as you rightly point out, the contract would state the remuneration and standard hours.
No, you didn't sign any contract, and as you rightly point out, the contract would state the remuneration and standard hours.
Jan 13th 2012, 8:04 pm
#3
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2010
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 9,662
Re: When is a contract not a contract? advice ...
So, here is the situation:
I was registered with an agency. I was told they had a position ... I'd work for the first month and as long as things turned out OK then the position would be for 6 months, maternity cover. I went for the interview, got the job.
Within the first few days I signed a letter (not via the agency but the university). The letter stated " I am pleased etc etc to confirm your position etc etc from 12/12/11 to 11/06/12, No mention in this letter of hours or salary. Just a straightforward acceptance of the position.
The agency, however, pays me weekly.
Today I have been told by HR, that there was a mistake. It is not for 6 months, it is on a weekly basis. It would be more than likely be for a lot less than 6 months but when the job comes up - I could always apply for it.
My position??? anyone???
I was registered with an agency. I was told they had a position ... I'd work for the first month and as long as things turned out OK then the position would be for 6 months, maternity cover. I went for the interview, got the job.
Within the first few days I signed a letter (not via the agency but the university). The letter stated " I am pleased etc etc to confirm your position etc etc from 12/12/11 to 11/06/12, No mention in this letter of hours or salary. Just a straightforward acceptance of the position.
The agency, however, pays me weekly.
Today I have been told by HR, that there was a mistake. It is not for 6 months, it is on a weekly basis. It would be more than likely be for a lot less than 6 months but when the job comes up - I could always apply for it.
My position??? anyone???
However, you are being paid weekly, so that is what it is - a weekly paid temporary job. It's unfortunate that information got muddled up as to just how long it would/might last for.
If you have no other options I would stick at it - it might last for 6 months, and you might get another position out of it.
I would not start getting difficult about the situation- don't think this would do you any good in the long run.
Jan 13th 2012, 9:16 pm
#4
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Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Used to be New York, now North Yorkshire
Posts: 3,610
Re: When is a contract not a contract? advice ...
I totally agree. Never burn any bridges- especially in this economy. Let's just hope it turns out to be 6 months.
Jan 17th 2012, 7:52 pm
#5
Sidecar Falcon
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,504
Re: When is a contract not a contract? advice ...
British Universities (assuming that's who you will be working for) are under strict budgetary demands these days and do not offer full-time employment contracts anyhere nearly as often as they used to and especially not to non-academic staff.
The chances are that they will probably need you for the whole 6 months, if not longer, but will only be able to provide you with a week to week contract due to all of the financial and HR requirements.
The chances are that they will probably need you for the whole 6 months, if not longer, but will only be able to provide you with a week to week contract due to all of the financial and HR requirements.
