I currently do some outsourcing for a a small independent practice. I have found another similar practice that would like me to do some work for them on a subcontract basis, but the drawback for me is that they want exclusivity.
Apart from the fact that I don't want to agree to this and have told them so, surely that points towards employment status?
They have told me that all their subcontractors work this way. They still want to see me for a chat so maybe they were just trying it on, but I would appreciate some advice from you guys. I can't see how I could say this was self employment if they can stop me working for other accountants.
Do any of you do outsourcing for more than one practice? Has anyone been asked to agree to exclusivity before?
Thanks.
You would normally sign a confidentially letter to say that you won't nick their clients or pass them onto another accounts practice. If you are exclusive to them and don't work for anyone else then this is really employment.