Contracting

Tools and Tips

Answers to commonly asked guestion from candidates

Tell me about contracting – who do I work for and how and when do I get paid?

You are employed by Eden Ritchie Recruitment and paid fortnightly into your bank account.
Your pay is based on a weekly timesheet completed by you each week and authorised by the employer.
Eden Ritchie Recruitment invoices the employer each week based on this timesheet.
You are paid standard compulsory super (nine percent for 06/07) into a nominated account.
Eden Ritchie Recruitment is responsible for your workers compensation cover if you contract as an individual.

Can I set up my own company and contract through Eden Ritchie Recruitment?

Yes, you are able to establish your own company and subcontract to Eden Ritchie Recruitment.
You are required to complete timesheets, have them authorised by the employer and invoice Eden Ritchie Recruitment based on these hours.
You need to register a business/company with an ABN and GST, which is charged to Eden Ritchie Recruitment on each invoice. It is important to understand that if you are registered as a Sole Trader or Partnership Eden Ritchie Recruitment is obligated to withhold PAYG tax as we would for an individual.
You are responsible for your own superannuation and workers compensation cover. (Note that there are strict legislative requirements governing subcontracting – these should be fully investigated prior to deciding to subcontract).

What are my responsibilities if I register with Eden Ritchie Recruitment?

Only allow one agency to submit your resume to an employer for the same position. Think carefully about roles before expressing interest and going for an interview (is location suitable, is salary appropriate, is the role of interest).
If you are successful in securing an interview, call in afterwards with feedback on how you think the interview went and whether you are still interested in the position. This allows us to give feedback to the employer and discuss any outstanding issues.
Don’t contact the employer directly unless discussed with your Recruitment Consultant.
Don’t discuss salary or contract rates with an employer.

What are my responsibilities if I secure a contract or permanent employment through Eden Ritchie Recruitment?

If you are working in a contract for Eden Ritchie Recruitment, keep us informed of your contact telephone numbers, changes to your contract and ongoing status.
If any issues arise during your contract or within the probation period of a permanent role please liaise your Eden Ritchie Recruitment consultant who will mediate and endeavour to resolve any problems with the employer.
If contracting, complete a weekly timesheet and forward to us after authorisation.
You must inform us, as will as the employer, of any time off required.
In accordance with the terms of engagement, you must give two weeks notice if leaving.
You must not approach the employer directly in relation to contracting on the employer’s books or taking up a permanent position with the employer. All offers of employment should be directed through Eden Ritchie Recruitment.

What should I know about Equal Employment Opportunity, Anti Discrimination and Workplace Health and Safety?

Equal Employment Opportunity Act
The purpose of the Act is to promote equality of employment opportunity and all candidates shall be given the same treatment and opportunity for employment regardless of their age, sex, economic or social background. The Act provides unlawful discrimination by a group or its employees against members of the targets groups with respect to employment matters. Target meaning “people who have migrated to Australia, people of the Aboriginal race of Australia, people who are descendants of the indigenous inhabitants of the Torres Strait Islands, people with a physical, sensory, intellectual or psychiatric disability or women”.

Anti-Discrimination Act
All candidates shall be given the same treatment and opportunity for employment and shall not be discriminated against in relation to sex, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, breastfeeding, age, race, impairment, religion, political belief or activity, trade union activity or lawful sexual activity. The act is to promote equality of opportunity for everyone by protecting them from unfair discrimination in certain areas of activity and from sexual harassment and certain associated objectionable conduct.

Workplace Health and Safety
Workplace Health and Safety covers a range of health and safety issues associated with the workplace, work undertaken and people involved in, or affected by work activities. Employers, workers, contractors and the self-employed each have legal responsibilities for ensuring their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by work activities. Employers’ must provide a workplace and work systems that are safe and without risk to health. They must make arrangements for the safe use, handling, storage and transport of plant and substances at work and provide adequate information, training and supervision for employees. Employees’ must not endanger their own or others’ health and safety through their actions or failure to act and must cooperate with measures introduced to protect their own and other’ health and safety.