h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

4 months ago I took the plunge and left the safety of the company that I had known since 93. I was sponsored by Siemens through university and took up full time employment with them in 96 as a Computer programmer. In January I worked my notice period so that I could become an IT contractor.

I have been in my first contract, with Phones 4u, for 3 months now, and the one thing that I have discovered is that people dislike contractors. Why is this? Sure, we may be on a higher hourly rate, but we have to pay our company NI contributions, as well as personal contributions, corporation tax, and we easily make the 40% personal income tax band. In total I pay 52% of my gross salary to the government. I also have to pay more in pension contributions as there are now no company contributions. I have to take out liability insurance, pay accountants and there is no company health scheme. I don't get holiday pay, sickness pay or have any rights to unemployment benefit should I be out of contract.

Why then do permies detest contractors? Why am I not allowed to go to this evenings company party just because I am a contractor?

Maybe it's just an excuse. ~grin~