EBME Forums Forums Management Recruitment A New Deal for Agency Techs

This is correct, in that replacing a moulded plug with a rewireable plug may be considered a modification of the medical device. However, some equipment may be supplied with a rewireable plug (e.g. Mobile X-ray), so the use of ferrules stands.

In fact, for any work related equipment (non-medical) the use of a ferrule is really mandatory. What you do at home is another matter!

Indeed. No doubt we have all come across many examples (I know I certainly have).

I believe that mains cables are still available without any plug fitted ... and, guess what, some (at least) have been seen with wires tinned by the manufacturer, whilst others may be bare.

Meanwhile, what do we think about the other (non-plug) end of a mains cable? Not all are the IEC C13 type (and may be "free" - with stripped bare ends, or even un-stripped - waiting for technicians to do their worst)!

Personally, I remain unconvinced that ferrules really achieve much ... and often need to be cut off when fitting a new plug if neatness (correct length of conductors) is to be obtained. And ... other considerations may apply when replacing non-British mains plugs.

On a historical note ... I can remember when tinning the wires was "encouraged" by trade instructors.

In the BS-1362 series of fuses, 13 A is the next rating up from 10 A.

Some domestic equipment (dishwashing machines and the like) might suffer from "nuisance tripping" (blowing) if a 10 A fuse is fitted. The only domestic (kitchen) equipment I have seen hard-wired have been electric cookers (ovens).

It's been a while since I bought anything new* ... but I seem to remember that most (if not all) portable domestic electrical equipment in the UK comes with a 13 A fuse fitted. But surely I'm not the only one who replaces it with a more appropriately (lower) rated fuse once I get it home (and tested the kit)?

For more, see here.

* Make Do and Mend, rather than Buy New and Spend!

OK, let's get back to the thread ...

There has been a great deal of chatter amongst IT contractors about the forthcoming roll-out of HMRC IR35 regulations. Many of these guys have been operating through "umbrella" companies, which have offered various advantages (such as being able to offset certain expenses against tax). It would seem that IR35 is going to challenge (or indeed, put an end to) such practices, and may even demand the payment of tax on a retrospective basis. I have heard that quite a few IT guys are looking at a substantial hit, and are simply giving up (whilst a few are talking about setting up as an offshore entity)!

Those freelance IT dudes seem to be on many times what I was ever likely to achieve, but surely biomed techs working on short-term assignments in NHS hospitals are also going to affected by the changes.

The jargon seems to be "inside IR35" and "outside IR35". It looks like under the new rules "contractors" who are deemed "inside IR35" will no longer be able to deduct valid business expenses (and even be unable to pay into a pension before personal tax, for example). Fair enough (perhaps), but to my mind all that will depend upon who actually decides if an Agency Tech is "inside" or "outside" IR35. From what I have heard from locums (healthcare professionals of various type), it may very well be the "paying client" (ie, the Trust) who decides. So we could have cases where one assignment is deemed "inside", and another "outside".

Does anyone have any thoughts about all this? Maybe the Agency Tech (in the traditional sense) is a thing of the past anyway. Are there any left?

Speaking for myself, it's now eleven years since I last worked through an agent (so I can't really be considered "current" on all this); but I was awaken from my slumber recently by someone seeking advice. Although I am aware that some others used an umbrella company, my own modus operandi back then did not allow me to claim accommodation and (or) travel expenses (so PAYE and NI was deducted by the agent).

It looks like Durbin Engineers' website is down ... does anyone have any news about my (once) favourite Agency?

Meanwhile, I have heard from various folk about "volunteering" - making a comeback - and so forth; and suspect I am not the only one.

People making such (desperate?) suggestions should bear in mind that the country is now more or less in a state of "lock down" ... and this includes the B&B's. Even the campsites are closed. In fact I wonder how I could carry on these days if I were still of "No Fixed Abode"!

Even the Government has realised that Working from Home (whenever possible) is "the answer" ... and I'm hoping that all those who used to post on here in days gone by (where are those guys - retired?) still look in every day ready to reply to any pleas for advice or what-have-you.

Meanwhile, I shall now be heading out to enjoy my officially sanctioned daily session of physical exercise.