Kep Ten Jim
There are many things to consider in a contract.
Rule 1 . Get it in writing. Do not trust anything by word only. Many guys have been burned badly.
How do the insurance coverages compare. For instance ACE Insurance is one that several contract companies use. Read the small print and you will find that disability payments are based on your ability to "work"(MacDonalds perhaps). Lloyds on the other hand insure your ability to hold your present position. ACE also have some hang ups on paying for disability resulting in surgery. Get the policy document before you commit. If the contract company you choose is reluctant to give you full details, be very afraid.
What industrial legislation will you be covered by. If the contract company is based in a country that recognises British Law, ie Australia, NZ, Vanuatu, etc, then the precedents are quite clear. You are an employee, not an independent contractor, regardless of what you sign. As such you have some rights and statuatory entitlements, (these cannot be contracted out of). It is encumbent on your prospective employer to inform you of which jurisdiction they are working in and which industrial law applies. IAC Pacific, refuse to answer that question!
Some contract companies try to hold you beyond the expiry of your contract. If there is any clause in the offered contract that seeks to restrict you for any period of time after the expiry of you contract, it is an unlawful restraint of trade. I recommend you don't touch it.
If you do a search on this forum for "IAC Pacific" you may get an insight into some of the difficulties that can be encountered with contract companies.
Tread carefully my friend.
TO