Concern over a clause in a bank nurse contract for large veterinary group

[red_jcb]

Hi,

Due to IR35 I am being forced to go onto a bank contract if I want to keep working for a large veterinary group as a self employed locum nurse.

I am concerned over the wording of this clause in the contract and what the implications are. I work with very expensive equipment in my job and am fearful that something could break and I would be landing with a large bill.

"It is also agreed that you will at all times pay to the Company upon demand any sums which you owe to the Company including, but not limited to, any excess holiday, advances, the cost of repairing any damage or loss to the Company’s property caused by you and the cost of any fines incurred by you for which the Company will be found responsible or called to court. This provision does notaffect the right of the Company to recover any sums or balance of sums owed by you to the Company by taking legal proceedings."

Thanks in advanced for any help or advice.

Jo

[ULA]

That clause makes it very clear that you would be responsible for "...the cost of repairing any damage or loss to the Company's property...".

It may be worth asking whether if you accidentally broke something would this not be covered by their insurance?

[red_jcb]

Thsnkyou for your reply. It give me something to check out.
jo

[des8]

As a self employed Veterinary Nurse you should seriously consider purchasing your own professional Indemnity insurance and Public Liability insurance.
That should cover your concerns about that clause.

The RCVS requires Veterinary Nurses to ensure they are covered by PI insurance (and I would not assume the practice insurance covers you) and the PL policy should cover damage to the company property

At the risk of advertising I would suggest you consult the Veterinary Defence Society (they used to be the go to company when I was an insurance broker)