Avoid Using Citation PLC – HR, Health & Safety. Having used citation for nine years we were coming to the end of our current contract, with around 12 weeks to go. Like most we had battled the effects of Covid and find our business hanging on by a thread. Having reduced staff from 10 to 5 people, I wanted to inquire what the new proposed rates would be and if there would be a reduction due to the reduced staff? The response was short and blunt, It would renew in February at the same rate with no reductions as we had an automatic renewal clauses in the contract. When we first signed with citation back in 2012 we were very adamant that we didn't want an automatic renewal clause in the contract and this was taken out. In 2015 the contract was due for renewal and again we requested that the automatic renewal clause be taken out. When the renewal was due in 2018 we were visited by a representative to sign us backup for a further period, However this contract was sent through electronically for us to sign. Considering we had been with Citation for six years we digitally signed the contract, not even considering there would be an automatic renewal clause in given we had specifically requested twice previously not to include one. Our trust was rewarded with a very blunt message that there is nothing that can be done, we are we are 12 weeks away from the renewal date but they are not prepared to change anything. My initial contact was purely to see if I could make a saving with the reduced staff which would help greatly during these difficult times. The reply I received was very contractual and cynical. Very much you are in the contract and you're not getting out. I find after 9 years of working with the company that's not the first time we need we really need their help they pull a stunt like this. Yes you should always read a contract before you sign, lesson learned. You will find the review pages littered with similar experiences, all with the same result. I understand an automatic renewal is convenient but if you believe in your products and services why would you have to include a six months’ notice before the end of your contract? I didn't even request to leave but I was left in no doubt that if I tried it would be pointless as I was contractually bound to them for another three years. Going forward contractually it seems there is nothing that I can do, but certainly Citation PLC will never have any more of my business in the future. If they can treat their customers this way what happens when you get any other form of dispute with them, I think we all know the answer. Do not give your business to someone who has to con and manipulate you into staying with them for another term rather than you just wanting to stay with them because they offer a good service. Why else would you have a six month auto renewal clause in?