[Andy C]

They pull this kind of thing all the time in my business - offshore oil drilling - the funny thing is that whenever I get laid off from a "Staff" position they rehire me as a "Contractor" for twice the money.

I am working on a project in Kazakstahn at the moment for one of the majors - they offered me a staff position with them last month - the offer went exactly like this.

"would you be interested in a staff position within the company"
"Hmm maybe"
"Well we would love to have you - but it would be for significantly less money than we are paying for you as a contractor - now if you choose to turn down the offer we would obviously keep you here under your current contract"

"Ehhhh - OK I have tought about it - NO"

What dumbass thought that was a good recruitment line - I loved the use of the word "Significantly"

Anyway mate - it sounds like they still need you there - go contractor - stick it to them big time - if you are in a field that it is difficult to find replacements then you have them in the palm of your hand.

Downsizing is a term invented solely by beancounters who know shag all about actually running a business - trust me if they need you they will pay for you - get your own health insurance - start up your own corporation and run with them.

All the while looking for the next project.