Sub Contracting Rates & Terms of payment

claret73 · Oct 4, 2010

Hi Guys
Have been CIS Since last year, but more from a viewpoint of getting paid by a Commercial Electrician, than any business reason.

Just started with a Commercial firm, whom have dicked me around a touch with payment terms and amounts.

I qualified to Level 3 C&G & 17th Edition this Summer (am 37yrs old), with around 18 Months mainly Domestic experience. On that information & not wanting to be held to JIB Rates what would Contracting firms be looking to pay & Terms of payment, including any Travel Expenses as I'm using my own car to get to jobs.
Thanks for any pointers, just after some back up to speak to them regarding this.
Cheers

malcolmsanford · Oct 5, 2010

If you are CIS then you should have your own UTR number and be "self-emplolyed", that means your laible for your own taxes and all that entails.

As a "Subbie" you will most likely be offered an hourly rate and that will be dependant on your area what the rate is, what type of job etc etc.

That will be the end of it most likely for the company. You may get some concessions from them , but normally expenses ie travel will be met by you.

Payment is normally in line with agency. You will submit a weekly timesheet signed of by whoever is responsible on site and that is normally a week behind. In some cases though they may ask you to invoice and that is a nightmare on many fronts, so that is rare.

sythai · Oct 5, 2010

Was CIS subby for last 6 years for various companies big and small (until earlier this year, went fully on my own...)

Never really had any contracts as such... just verbal agreement beforehand of: rate, minimum duration of job and min hours per week. (rates would vary between £14-£18/hr normally £1 or so more than an agency)

Always submitted an invoice which was noramlly required, then kept a copy for my books. And make sure each month you get a statement of what the company has paid in tax for you.

If working away got digs money paid. And on a weekend if your lucky would get enhanced pay rate. No travel time/expenses... but more often than not would always get a flyer on a Friday

I found smaller companies ended up paying better rates and on time.. for some reason