Client company paying BlackBerry Bill

[sher]

I have recently set up a limited company to provide my service on contract basis. I have a quick query on IR35 aspect.

The client, which has offered me/my company a 6-month contract, has provided me with a BlackBerry whose monthly expenses, I understand, will be covered by the client. I frankly don’t care whether I have client's blackberry or not. It’s in client’s interest to utilise me more productively by providing me with expense-paid blackberry (so that they can contact me outside work hours or use BB to check all work related email).

Does the company paying for my blackberry bill bring me inside IR35 net?

[northernladuk]

Nope. They will have a security policy that will not allow personal blackberries to access their systems so giving you one is the only option available. It could be argued they are not treating you as a permie, their security policies force them to give you one.

Saying that, the question is... are they offering you one... Or are they insisting you have one?

[sher]

Saying that, the question is... are they offering you one... Or are they insisting you have one?

A blackberry arrived on my desk on my first day at work and I was provided the password etc. I inquired from the admin about who picks the tab and I was told that the client would take care of all BB bills. I neither asked for one nor have they insisted on me having one. It was matter-of-factly put to me for use.

[FiveTimes]

A blackberry arrived on my desk on my first day at work and I was provided the password etc. I inquired from the admin about who picks the tab and I was told that the client would take care of all BB bills. I neither asked for one nor have they insisted on me having one. It was matter-of-factly put to me for use.

Does this mean you are contactable 24-7 ?

Not sure I'd accept if they want out of hours support etc..

[sher]

Does this mean you are contactable 24-7 ?

Not sure I'd accept if they want out of hours support etc..

I have no intention of providing out-of-hour support nor have I been asked to do so. Only possible use may be enable mail access.

In general, is client-paid "perk" a no-no for consultant (from IR35 perspective)?

[northernladuk]

I have no intention of providing out-of-hour support nor have I been asked to do so. Only possible use may be enable mail access.

In general, is client-paid "perk" a no-no for consultant (from IR35 perspective)?

It's not a perk it's a tool to carry out your duties as is your laptop. You wouldn't think getting a client paid laptop is an IR35 problem?

[psychocandy]

Yeh. If they want to give you a blackberry so you can read your email/ they can call you during the time you're there whats the problem?

Its like saying that having a free email account from the client is a perk....

[Wanderer]

Agree with the others here - a mobile phone isn't a perk anymore, even HMRC accept that it's not a BIK to employees.

I would have my own phone too though - I'd never let a third party own my phone and number...