If you’ve ever jumped into a contract role and felt like the ground shifted underneath you just a few weeks in, you’re not alone. Freelancing under IR35 in the UK can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope without a net. One minute you’re booked and busy and the next you’re out of the project Slack or Teams channel and wondering what just happened.
Working under IR35 can be like playing football with one leg, technically doable, but a bit risky if you don’t know the rules. You’re not staff, but you’re not totally independent either. And sometimes, that murky middle ground can come back to bite you if you’re not sharp.
Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or just testing the freelance waters, here are key things to look out for before signing your next contract plus some hard-learned lessons (so you don’t have to learn them the hard way).
1. Make Sure the Notice Period Works Both Ways
Always check if the contract includes a mutual notice period. Not just a line saying “two weeks’ notice” but making sure it applies to both parties. You’d be shocked how many contracts give clients an easy way out but leave you high and dry.
You want to see a clear, fair notice period same on both sides. If the client can give you 1 day and you have to give 1 month, that’s not a level playing field. You’re a contractor, not a servant.
Example: A contractor was renewed after 3 months, but when the client found a permanent hire, they gave the agency just 1 week’s notice to end the contract. The agency forgot it was supposed to be 2 weeks. When the contractor pushed back, the client threatened to cut ties with the agency, and then they agency and client conspired to terminate on the spot by claiming “incompetence.”
Lesson: Contracts should protect both parties equally. Always check.
Faith tie-in: “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’…” (Matthew 5:37)
Contracts are modern-day covenants, so let them reflect honesty on both sides.
2. Paid Notice: Confirm It’s There
Some contracts say “notice period” but don’t actually say whether you’ll be paid during it. Big red flag. A notice period with no pay is just a delay tactic. So ask: Will you be paid during the notice period? A notice clause is pointless if they can terminate you immediately without compensation.
Example: A tech startup hired a freelancer but ran out of cash. They terminated the contract immediately despite a 1-month notice clause—and refused to pay. Their excuse? “IR35 contracts don’t come with paid notice.”
Lesson: If it’s not written clearly, assume it won’t happen.
Faith tie-in: “The worker deserves his wages.” (Luke 10:7)
You did the work, you deserve the pay—simple and scriptural.
3. Understand What Constitutes Immediate Termination
“Immediate termination” sounds dramatic—but it’s not always clear. Ask your recruiter (and confirm via email if it is not spelt out in the contract): What exactly can get you booted without notice?
Late to one meeting? Didn’t submit a report? Used a personal device? You need clarity so you can protect yourself and your income.
Example: One contractor missed a milestone after the scope changed mid-project. The client used it as grounds for immediate termination under “poor performance.”
Lesson: Ask for specifics on what counts as grounds for immediate termination. Don’t leave it to interpretation.
4. Put It in Writing, Always
It’s easy to nod along during project calls or recruiter updates, but always follow up with a quick email to confirm any critical discussion or agreement. Things like:
- Start Date
- Rate
- Responsibilities
- Equipment Access
Working from home vs onsite expectations
Your email history might save you when someone suddenly claims “that was never agreed.”
Example: A client verbally reduced deliverables mid-sprint. The contractor delivered accordingly, but later, the client denied the conversation ever happened and refused to pay. No email trail, no proof.
Lesson: Be polite, but back up everything in writing.
Faith tie-in: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit…” (Proverbs 21:5)
Trust God, but keep the emails. Faith doesn’t cancel wisdom –
it strengthens it.
5. Save Your Own Copies of Everything
When the contract ends, so does your access to the client’s systems. If you haven’t saved those all-important emails and files, they’re gone. Always BCC your personal email for important correspondence.
Yes, under GDPR, you have the right to request personal information, and clients are legally required to respond within one month. But this is often time-delayed and doesn’t guarantee they’ll send the relevant data you actually need, like proof of agreements or feedback trails
Example: A contractor lost access to their client mailbox and couldn’t access key approvals when chasing payment. End result: unpaid work.
Lesson: Keep your own archive. Use folders. Be organised.
Faith tie-in: “The prudent see danger and take refuge…” (Proverbs 22:3)
Saving your records isn’t paranoia—it’s Proverbs in action.
6. Remembet That You’re Not an Employee
It sounds obvious, but many freelancers get caught up in workplace perks. Just a reminder:
You’re not entitled to training, travel reimbursements, or hotel accommodation.
You might not be invited to social events or company updates.
HR? Doesn’t owe you much, if anything.
This is a business-to-business arrangement. Keep the boundary clear.
Example: A contractor expected hotel stays for offsite work like the employees. The client declined. “But we’re all on the same team,” the contractor said. “Not quite,” said HR.
Lesson: Stay professional, and manage your expectations.
Faith tie-in: “There is a time for everything…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
7. Have Your Insurance Sorted
Especially if you’re working directly with clients (no agency), you should have professional indemnity and public liability insurance. It protects both you and them.
Example: A project went sideways, and the client considered legal action. The contractor’s indemnity insurance covered the legal fees and protected them.
Lesson: It’s not expensive, and it could save your business.
Faith tie-in: “A wise man builds his house on the rock…” (Matthew 7:24)
Insurance isn’t a lack of faith. It is building on solid ground.
8. Recruitment Agencies Aren’t Always Your Friends
Harsh? Maybe. But real. Many agencies, especially those with big clients, will side with the client if there’s ever an issue. Why? Because clients bring repeat business.
Example: One contractor completed their project and expected a positive review. When the client gave mixed feedback, the agency chose the client’s side, ending future contract options with that agency.
Lesson: Be polite, but don’t expect the agency to be your champion.
9. When Treated Unfairly, Don’t Just “Let It Go”
Silence is not golden if you’re being mistreated. Whether it’s payment issues or shady terminations, raise it. Speak up professionally and take it higher if needed. I’m not saying start a lawsuit over every inconvenience. But if you’ve been clearly mistreated, particularly after doing things by the book, take appropriate steps to get redress.
Example: A contractor challenged an agency that conspired with the client to terminate the contract under false pretences of incompetence in order to avoid paying the notice period. Since the contract was with the agency, not the client, the contractor sued the agency and won. The agency was ordered to pay the owed amount.
Lesson: Being silent doesn’t help the next person. Stand your ground.
Faith tie-in: “Blessed are the peacemakers…” (Matthew 5:9)
Turning the other cheek doesn’t mean turning a blind eye.
10. Flexibility With Rates Is Key
Sometimes, the same job pays differently based on who the client is and what state they’re in. It’s okay to flex your rate to build relationships or gan new experience. You may perform the same role at multiple companies, but the rates can vary. Have a minimum acceptable rate, but don’t be so rigid that you miss out on opportunities.
Example: One freelancer took a slightly lower rate to get a foothold in fintech. That experience helped them double their rate at the next gig.
Faith tie-in: “Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.” (Proverbs 16:8)
Think long-term. Sometimes a smaller cheque now leads to a bigger one later.
11. Build Good Relationships (You’ll Need Them)
Even if you’re remote or just passing through, be friendly and helpful, try to build rapport with employees and fellow contractors. You’ll never know who’ll refer or help you land your next gig, employees and contractors alike.
Example: A contractor kept in touch with a former teammate who later became a hiring manager and brought them in for their next contract.
Lesson: Good people skills go a long way.
Faith tie-in: “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)
People remember how you made them feel. Let it reflect Christ.
12. Not All Recruiters Are Ethical
Sorry to break it to you: some recruiters will fish for your contacts, ghost you after interviews, or call you for roles that don’t exist just to hit their weekly call targets.
Example: A contractor was contacted “about a role” but was really being mined for contacts from their past clients. No interview followed.
Faith tie-in: “Test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Be cautious. If it smells off, it probably is.
Relevant Resources
Final Thoughts from the Freelance Trenches
Freelancing under IR35 isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s not a jungle either – if you know what to look out for.
Read and treat each contract like a business transaction, not a job offer.
Keep detailed records (project timelines, deliverables, emails).
Protect yourself legally and emotionally.
Speak up when necessary.
Let your light shine with integrity, even in difficult work situations.
We are called to work with excellence (Colossians 3:23), but also with wisdom. Navigating freelance life under IR35 isn’t always easy, but with preparation and prayer, you can thrive.
Have You Had a Contracting Experience That Left You Shaking Your Head?
Share your stories in the comments!
How do you protect yourself?
What red flags do you now look out for?
How do you keep your faith and sanity intact in the wild world of freelancing?
Let’s help each other build a better, safer, and fairer contracting ecosystem.
