Contractor
kun-TRAK-ter /kənˈtræktə/
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What it really means
A self-employed professional hired for a fixed period, often at a day rate — common in IT, engineering and construction. Contractors usually earn more per day than employees but get no paid holiday, sick pay or pension from the client.
Chinese explanation
合同工/独立承包人：按固定期限受雇的自雇专业人士，常按日计费，多见于IT、工程和建筑行业。日薪通常比正式员工高，但客户不提供带薪假、病假工资和养老金。
Example conversation
A: The day rate for this contract is four hundred pounds.
B: Sounds good, but remember contractors don't get holiday pay.
A：这个合同的日薪是四百英镑。
B：听着不错，但别忘了合同工没有带薪假。
Official sources
Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake