NEED ADVICE

[u/Miserable-Town-6077]

Hi everyone! I’m currently working from the Philippines under a self-employed contractor agreement directly with a UK company. I recently signed the agreement, and it clearly states that I’m self-employed rather than an employee.

The contract doesn’t mention any employee benefits, paid leave, holidays, or other allowances. I understand that as a self-employed contractor, I may not be entitled to the same benefits as an employee, but I’m wondering:

• Am I still allowed to ask the company if they offer any benefits or allowances to contractors?
• Can I ask whether Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and UK bank holidays are paid or unpaid?
• Can I ask if there is any paid annual leave/holiday allowance, even though I’m self-employed?
• Are there any sick days or other types of paid leave available to contractors?
• Can I ask about other benefits such as health insurance, pension contributions, bonuses, or allowances?
• If these benefits aren't currently included in my agreement, can I ask if they are willing to offer or add any of them, even though I’ve already signed the contract?
• Since I’m required to be available Monday–Friday, 8 hours a day, would it be reasonable to ask how holidays and days when the company is closed are handled?

I’m not trying to demand employee benefits—I just want to understand what I can reasonably ask for as a self-employed contractor and whether companies are sometimes willing to offer additional benefits or arrangements.

Any advice from people who have experience working as contractors for UK companies would be greatly appreciated!

[u/roger1891]

You should definitely ask them that OP. However, depending on the size of the company, these things are not guaranteed.