The Easter Rush: Navigating Last-Minute Contracts Before the Long Weekend

The Easter Rush: Navigating Last-Minute Contracts Before the Long Weekend 

As the Easter long weekend approaches,  businesses often face a familiar scramble—getting candidate placements, client agreements, NDA's or contract extensions signed off before inboxes go quiet and decision-makers vanish for a few days.

That pre-holiday push can feel productive, but rushing through contracts comes with risk—especially when key clauses around fees, notice periods, or compliance obligations are overlooked in the name of speed.

Here’s how to stay sharp during the sprint:

1. Stick to Your Templates

When time is tight, tried-and-tested contracts are your best friend. Resist the urge to “just tweak” old agreements or accept client-side drafts without a proper review.

2. Watch for Red Flags

Be alert to vague job specifications or missing rate confirmations—classic signs that a contract isn’t ready. Ensure payment terms and IR35 status are crystal clear. Make sure you are aware of processes required for payment, such as Purchase Order requirements and keep a look out for liability clauses too!

3. Use E-Signatures—but Don’t Skip Approvals

E-sign platforms are a lifesaver for speed—but make sure your consultants and clients know the internal sign-off chain and process. No one wants to undo a deal that wasn’t properly approved.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Delay

If a contract isn’t quite there, it’s better to pause than to push. Get what has been agreed so far in writing or raise an interim one-off agreement rather than a lengthy Framework or MSA. A few days’ delay post-Easter is far less painful than a messy dispute later.

Get deals done—but not at the cost of risk. With a bit of planning and clear communication, you can keep momentum without compromising on quality or protection.