Client dictating hours

[Stevie Wonder Boy]

TBH nine to five as opposed to eight to four isn't exactly an unreasonable request. Irritating perhaps, but not unreasonable.

Just make sure it isn't the thin edge of the wedge as you have already accommodated them with the early/late start thing.

WHS

So the 1 week in 5 is a regularly agreed pattern, i.e. you have a schedule, also is it in the contract? If it's not, just work to rule. See who blinks first.

You do seem to attract unpleasant clients?

[SueEllen]

You do seem to attract unpleasant clients?

I've noticed that also.

Lots of the issues that the OP seems to have could be cleared up in interview by asking questions along the lines of what are the typical working patterns in the organisation and when do people have meetings. You ask these sort of questions when you are discussing what the role involves.

[tractor]

.....

I've noticed that also.

Lots of the issues that the OP seems to have could be cleared up in interview by asking questions along the lines of what are the typical working patterns in the organisation and when do people have meetings. You ask these sort of questions when you are discussing what the role involves.

Back in the 90's when IT contracting really started to take off there were many benefits of using a contractor including flexibility, the willingness to go the 'extra mile', the knowledge, the 'can-do' attitude and the JFDI principle to name but a few.

Within reason, why does it really matter whether you start at 8 and finish at 4 or 9-5? It's not like they are asking for 18 hour days or anything. TBH arguing with a client about this type of thing makes it look as though we are just expensive resources that bring more problems than the permies.

[BolshieBastard]

I always used to ask during the interview what flexibility there was on start \ finish time, what the working culture is like towards contractors vs permie staff and an indication of standard working week.

Helps to find the boundaries before accepting any job. Also can be used in a polite way to counter any tulip like 'I want you here x to y' by some arsehole.

[FatLazyContractor]

What does the contract say.......................

^This.

The OP should probably clarify what the contract he/she signed says.

[cojak]

^This.

The OP should probably clarify what the contract he/she signed says.

That doesn't help much when the working environment turns out to be a contractor-dispising 'we want you here until 6pm every day' type of place.

[FatLazyContractor]

That doesn't help much when the working environment turns out to be a contractor-dispising 'we want you here until 6pm every day' type of place.

Yes, agreed. But if his worry is about IR35, the goons start with the signed contract don't they?

[SueEllen]

That doesn't help much when the working environment turns out to be a contractor-dispising 'we want you here until 6pm every day' type of place.

Which is why you ask them at interview.

If they don't seem to like you talking along this lines at interview then it isn't a client you want to work for as flexibility is a two way street.

[Dark Black]

Very rarely do I work 9-5, I'm there to get the job done not play permie.

Always ensure contract has project details and no specific hours mentioned. If you are genuinely in business on your own account then work the hours that suit you in order to fulfil the project.

Simples.

[FatLazyContractor]

Very rarely do I work 9-5, I'm there to get the job done not play permie.

Always ensure contract has project details and no specific hours mentioned. If you are genuinely in business on your own account then work the hours that suit you in order to fulfil the project.

Simples.

Sounds good, but how practical/feasible is it?