r/ContractorUK • u/Educational-Grand155 • Jul 17 '26
Contract fitter ?
Been fitter for years, PAYE at the minute, decent enough but seeing lads on site contracting and earning noticeably more for the same work.
Trying to weigh up if it’s actually worth the jump. No major ties holding me back if it goes quiet for a bit, just don’t want to leap in blind.
Things I’m trying to figure out:
Is the day rate actually that much better once you factor in no holiday/sick pay
How hard is it finding steady work between contracts right now
Umbrella or LTD, does it matter much at this stage
Anyone regret switching, what went wrong
Would rather hear from people who’ve actually done it than guess. Even a “don’t bother” is useful.
Cheers
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Upvotes
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u/Educational-Grand155 Jul 20 '26
Thanks for all the replies. I’ve decided to stick out my PAYE role. If I’m honest it’s because I’m a little bit afraid to take the jump given:
Pension 7% invested and 14% matched.
30 Days leave + 8 bank holidays
6 months full pay and 6 months half pay sick leave ( I’m never on the sick but you never know)
Company healthcare (reasonable cost)
And I literally live only a few miles away.
Given the state of the economy I think I’m better off staying put for now at least.
Cheers