Ryanair - agency or direct contract
 

Hi there

What is the best option regarding possible employment with Ryanair, a contract via an agency or go direct with the airline?

Many thanks

The best option is to forget all about ever seeking employment with them.

SMT do you speak and understand English?
Read the question and if you don't understand rather don't answer, some people still have to look at all options for employment and if Ryanair fits the bill for them then so be it

Why would you consider an "agency contract" with all the uncertainty, the dodgy dealing and have the burden to ensure you are tax compliant etc versus a contract directly with "any employer" and the protection and security (FWIW!). Considering RYR pilots have been campaigning for years to get direct employment it seems odd not to take advantage ...IF its on the table. Now if the real question is " how much cash can I salt away?" that's another issue coupled with the " can I sleep at night" and not live in fear of the tax man..as per, Italian, French and German bases

Italian Stallion
I’d advise you to look long and hard before Joining but if you must.....after careful consideration...

I’m no expert but as I understand it the agency route is closing fast due to it not being compliant with Italian law. From all I do know of this issue and the feedback from folk working in Italy you’d want the Direct contract with Ryanair. It might be worth the time spent to contact any Ryanair Pilots down there. Contact the local unions to discuss legal issues. The contractor route is fraught with issues including being away from home at short notice etc..and not many legal protections.
As part of their current grievance there is dispute as to whether the current direct employment is even legal.... that’s yet to be judged, although evidence suggests Ryanair is keen for the lads and ladies to keep quiet and stick with Irish law.
Good luck, you may need it.

Dont come crying later. He warned you. It was already toxic back when I was there. I can't imagine now...

Money is about the same unless you file for some 'extra' expenses as a contractor. With most countries starting to look closer at the contractors its probably best going for full employment. There are greener pastures however. Choose wisely

Thanks guys for the information....
Any suggestions on greener pastures would be welcome, not having li ed or flown in mainland EU for many years im not up to date with who the better or more reliable employers are.
It's time to come back now.

If you want to be based in Italy, why not consider Norwegian and Rome base. It’s not perfect, but much much better option than FR. (Talking about short haul, can’t say anything about the long haul)

Avoid FR unless the only other option is unemployment!!! But if you must join the good old days of contractor/agency contracts are long gone! Go for a direct employment contract; at least then when they try to screw you over (and they will!) you might have a bit more leverage.

Italian S. What's you type eating? Don't easyjet also have Italian bases? Whatever happened to AirOne? I know LH bought them ate Swissair went AWOL, but do they still fly?

Yup, leave system seems diabolical. As an example.
Pilot XYZ assigned almost all of 24 months leave in four months. Had a late 2017 month and ad hoc days refused... subsequently assigned to his normal days off!,, then given an early 2018 month off. You couldn’t dream this nonsense up, but hey Ryanair manage to. Whatever happened to EASA recommendations that leave be assigned in such manner that reduces fatigue?

Yeah right... You then get laid off for the winter with no pay, they promise it won't happen again and next winter, you get laid off again. Clearly a trustworthy employer. Not sure how much better it is against Ryanair (and I'm not defending Ryanair either). If you decide to go to FR, definitely take the permanent contract. If you are experienced, you can get the base you want and the direct contract easily. Just tell then you won't go until they guarantee that. That's how desperate they are. But don't expect any favours either once you're in as the people from the outside will always get priority over their current employees.

The contracts vary where you are based. Assuming the you want to be based in Italy (judging by your nickname), on a agency contract, you'll pay tax in Ireland but only in the income you get from doing overseas flights. If you're doing domestic flights, you will pay tax in Italy (this was the arrangement and I think it is still in place). I can't speak for direct contract in Italy but I believe you pay National Insurance in the country you're based and tax to Ireland (except UK where you pay everything in the UK). If you are a cadet (aka will have to pay for TR) and you're looking for money only, the agency contract might be the best option as you can offset the expenses you have against your salary (you will get a tax free salary for maybe 3 years until you run out of expenses). If you are experienced and are just doing a transition course, it's most likely you won't have many expenses, maybe up to a year or slightly more. After expenses are gone, you probably will have a slightly less income compared to a direct contract BUT they main thing is that you won't get any pension/sick pay/holiday pay/per diem. Also as agency, if you don't fly, you don't get the €€€€ to feed yourself and others but looking at the current situation where they messed up their pilot roster (please read: they are so short of people that they can't crew their aircraft), you are most likely to flow 900 hours in 10 months instead of 12. Agency contract is also tax dodgy so don't be surprised if you get the taxman knocking at your door at somepoint: you'll be liable for EVERYTHING, not your accountant that told you what and how to do it.

Personally, direct contract. For you, assess your current AND future situation. Best of luck!

It would be a good idea and helpful to other readers if you proofread what you type before posting. Simples!!!!

Mea culpa: m'lud.