It is that time of year again when many of us look to jet off to sunnier climates or head to the seaside to enjoy some much-needed rest.

Of course, unlike workers who are regularly employed and paid via PAYE, the decision to take a holiday can create challenges for contractors, as it may mean a period without pay that needs to be factored into your plans.

To help, here are some hints and tips to help alleviate the stress and strain of having time off:

Communicate clearly with clients

If you plan to take time off during a contract, this should be clearly communicated with your client and arranged well in advance, where possible.

This is even more essential if you plan to start a new contract and already have a holiday booked. Many freelancers are advised not to book off holiday within the first month of a new contract or have time off until the new contract is in place.

Having open and honest conversations with the business you are supporting can help them to plan around your absence and ensure they either have your role covered or plan their wider workflow around you.

However, be aware that a formal request for holiday, rather than a general statement on when you intend to be off, could in some circumstances misconstrue your relationship with your engager and create the impression of employment. This could have implications for IR35.

To further prevent any confusion regarding your IR35 status, you can elect to send a substitute in your place to provide similar services while you are absent, thereby clarifying that you are providing a service and not employment.

Try to be flexible

As you are working through your own limited company, you can take odd days off during the contract – it is one of the benefits of being a contractor. However, this must not adversely affect your work or the delivery of that contract.

Speak with the business you are working with, understand their pressure points and try to work around their plans.

Be mindful that it is very unlikely you will be allowed to have more than two weeks off at a time. If you anticipate needing extended time off, try to time this so it happens between contracts, but consider that it could take a few weeks once you return to secure a new contract.

Build up a surplus

If you plan to have time off during a contract, you will need to consider how you support yourself financially during that time as well.

It might be that you can incorporate this through a higher overall fee for the contract, but it might also be that you build a surplus within your limited company to ensure you receive payments even when you are not working.

Relax

Perhaps one of the most important things that you can do is relax. It is really important to have time off from work to recharge your batteries and spend time with friends and loved ones.

Your productivity and passion for work can really suffer if you don’t take the time to wind down once in a while.

Remember, you are not limited to a specific number of days in a year for holiday as you are not paid for time off.

You can take as many days off as you desire with the client’s agreement.

From everyone at Cogent, we hope you have a wonderful, restful summer break.