Contract or Permanent Work
Destination: South Africa
The majority of roles on offer in South Africa will be permanent although there is a gorwing contract market. The drawback to this is that rates are, at present, no better than permanent salaries and you forgo the benefits that a permanent employee is entitled to.
>Advantages of permanent roles
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Typically not less than 21 days of annual leave, plus 12 statutory holidays and paid sick leave.
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Opportunities to develop your career within the company could be more prevalent with permanent roles. In addition you will be entitled to attended courses for personal development.
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Potential for an annual bonus.
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Other paid benefits, likely to include pensions and an opportunity to allocate an annual sum of money to chosen benefits i.e insurances, extra holidays.
Advantages of contracting roles
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Excellent rates of pay and regular income for the duration of your contract.
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Roles are available on a more immediate basis meaning you can start earning quicker.
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Opportunities to improve your skills whilst you search for permanent work.
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Holiday flexibility (- you choose when to take time off and for how long).
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You are your own boss. If you don’t like who you are working for it provides the flexibility to move on.
Disadvantages of contracting roles
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No company benefits (i.e. no company health care or pension scheme, sick pay, professional training, etc).
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No pay if you are sick.
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Depending on a number of factors there may be gaps between your contracts. This can be caused by seasonal or economic factors which are outside your control.