UK Recruitment Glossary
Contractor
In recruiter context
Different beast from an employee. No paid holiday, no sick pay, no notice protection, but typically 30-60% higher day rate to compensate. UK contractors operate either through their own limited company (outside IR35) or through an umbrella company (inside IR35). Day rate maths is rough: take the rate, multiply by 220 working days, subtract umbrella fees and tax. A £500/day inside-IR35 contract through an umbrella nets roughly the same take-home as a £75-80k permanent salary. The freedom is real; so is the lack of safety net.
Related terms
Promotion
An internal move to a higher role, grade, or pay band — usually with more responsibility and a salar…
Equity / Share Options
An ownership stake in your employer, granted as options or shares that vest over time.
Soft Skills
Behavioural and interpersonal skills — communication, leadership, problem-solving, adaptability, tea…
Remote Work
Working entirely off-site, with no expectation of being in an office on a regular pattern.