Terms of Business

Last updated: November 2025

1. Definitions

Agency – Chefs-On-Demand.co.uk
Client – Any individual, company, or organisation that engages a Candidate.
Candidate – Any chef or catering professional introduced by the Agency.
Engagement – Any employment, booking, assignment, contract, or working arrangement.
Introduction – Providing the Client with a Candidate’s details, CV, profile, or availability.

2. Booking & Hiring Process

2.1 The Client may request temporary or permanent staff via email, phone, or the Agency’s booking form.
2.2 The Agency will supply available Candidates based on skill, dates, and location.
2.3 All bookings are subject to availability.

3. Temporary Freelance Staff Rates & Fees

3.1 Rates vary depending on level, notice, location, and hours.
3.2 Rates exclude VAT where applicable.
3.3 Minimum booking: 6 hours.
3.4 Overtime, late finishes, bank holiday rates, and travel fees may apply.
3.5 Timesheets must be signed or approved by the Client.
3.6 Invoices must be paid within 7 days unless agreed otherwise.

4. Permanent Placement Fees

KP / Junior Chef: £500
Chef de Partie: £750
Sous Chef: £1,000
Head Chef / Exec Chef: £1,500
Custom fees may apply for senior roles.

4.3 Fees are payable on the Candidate’s start date.
4.4 An 8-week replacement guarantee applies (excluding redundancy or misconduct).

5. Client Responsibilities

5.1 Provide a safe working environment compliant with UK law.
5.2 Provide clear instructions, induction, and equipment.
5.3 Maintain accurate timesheets.
5.4 Not directly employ a Candidate without Agency notification.

6. Candidate Conduct

6.1 The Agency conducts reasonable vetting (ID, right-to-work, experience).
6.2 The Agency is not liable for loss, damage, or misconduct by a Candidate.
6.3 Issues must be reported within the first 4 hours of a shift.

7. Liability

7.1 The Agency is not responsible for financial loss, food safety incidents, or operational disruption.
7.2 The Client must supervise Candidates at all times.
7.3 Liability is limited to the total fees paid for that booking.

8. Cancellations

Client Cancellation:
- Within 24 hours: full shift charge
- Within 48 hours: 50% shift charge

Candidate Cancellation:
The Agency will attempt to provide a replacement.

9. Direct Engagement / Buy-Out Fee

If the Client hires a Candidate within 12 months of their last Agency booking, a buy-out fee equal to the permanent placement fee applies.

10. Payment Terms

10.1 Payment due within 7 days.
10.2 Late payments may incur a £40 fee plus statutory interest.
10.3 Unpaid invoices may be passed to debt recovery.

11. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to confidentiality and GDPR compliance.

12. Termination

Either party may terminate these Terms in writing. All outstanding fees remain payable.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England & Wales. Disputes are handled in UK courts.