JMR Software has launched a "One-Stop-Shop" service for its 140-strong contractors, aimed at enhancing its already personalised service to its off-site skills base. Previously, contractors have either operated independently or paid a financial institution to take care of their personal tax, medical aid and pension administration among other services. Now, following demand from its contractors, JMR Software is offering to take care of all these duties.
JMR Software already has an enviable reputation for attracting and retaining the best contractors in the IT industry. JMR founder and Managing Director Mike Richards says the contractors feel a sense of belonging: "We have a strong people philosophy, which we apply to our staff and contractors alike. We really do care."
Richards says with the sense of trust that already exists, he`s confident that most of the approximately 140 contractors will opt to let JMR take care of their financial and tax issues.
The "One-Stop-Shop" will offer tax services, medical aid, pension, life cover, car finance, income protection plans and a host of other services still under discussion.
Says Sue Richards, JMR`s executive responsible for the company`s contractors, the biggest benefit to contractors will be the hassle-free service and cost-savings, enabling contractors to optimise their hard-earned pay.
"Brokers often take up to 3% of the fee contractors work for, which can add up to a hefty sum each month. JMR will charge just R1 per hour - we`re not aiming to make money off our people, but rather to offer an additional service," she says.
Contractors also stand to save money on the policies they choose, as JMR has undertaken to offer the most competitive rates with the lowest possible administration fees. Another plus would be immediate cover as contractors benefit from group insurance, eg immediate medical cover without the standard waiting period. Also, Richards says as JMR will be managing all the services directly, it will also handle any complaints on behalf of its contractors.
Richards believes: "JMR Software is only as good as its people; that`s why we take such good care of our contractors."
The company has a staff member dedicated to visit JMR contractors regularly at their assignments and to find out how they`re doing. Mike Richards himself pays frequent visits. JMR Software also hosts a contractor get-together once a month.
An addition to the care it displays, Mike Richards says JMR`s success can be attributed largely to its skill in identifying the right person for the job and ensuring the customer gets fair value. While contracting is under severe constraints in Europe and the US, it`s a growing concern in SA.
Richards says: "The programming sector is showing healthy signs of growth in SA. JMR Software is determined to provide the best support for our contractors, enabling them and ourselves to remain on the cutting-edge."
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Established in 1987, JMR Software specialises in delivering turnkey custom-developed applications for mainframe, client server and Internet-based platforms, and has made major contributions in a range of industries, particularly banking and insurance. The company has over 140 employees, including a large contractor base, which is deployed both in SA and the UK.
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