Please help to share this scene for advice. I have signed an employment contract with my institution and was given a probationary period of six months. I have performed very well during this probationary period until now, but the probation period has ended and I am about to have my second year. The Labour Act of my country states probation period should not exceed twelve months and here they have violated it.

Some days back the management summoned me for a meeting, and told me that they wanted to outsource me. When I asked them, what is the reason behind it, they replied that the institution permanent staff has reached a threshold that cannot be exceeded. I don’t want to switch to outsource status. Please advise.

I’m afraid it sounds as if you and your management don’t have a choice here. You can either take their offer or leave it, in which case you need to find another position quickly.

You could ask them to take you onto the permanent staff as soon as the next vacancy comes up, but I wouldn’t depend on that happening.

You need to research exactly what is involved in being outsourced, which probably effectively makes you a contractor. You need to ensure you cover all the legal, financial, insurance, pension and taxation matters that are necessary. Perhaps the company accounts department can offer some advice here.

You will find there are some advantages to being freelance, not least of which is that you can control your working life better. In theory you should be able to choose when you work. I have covered this in detail in my section on running a small business.

Establishing a Small Business – The things no one tells you

This is the page that specifically deals with the implications of being a contractor, I advise you to read it carefully and then take advice from an accountant

Staff or contractors?

So, as I say, it looks as though you have no choice in the matter, but please be very careful to comply with all the legislation that covers you.