Should I (politely) decline 'staff' training?

[Jakes Daddy]

I'm contracting through my ltd co, and am based on-site at the client's site. I have been asked to complete some online 'staff' training, namely:

• A Workstation assessment
• The Bribery Act 2010
• DSE
• Health and Safety and the Environment
• Information Security

I don't have a huge problem with the content, and my written contract says (in the control section) that I will adhere to health and safety based control, so I guess some of this falls into that category. And the bribery and info sec content is valid as its relevant to the role and industry sector.

The problem I have is the use of the term 'staff' in the email to me and also on the online training portal that I am expected to log into to take the training.
The reason I am particularly cautious is that this particular client has in the past been involved in a very high profile IR35 case where the contractor lost, in part because the client 'fessed up and declared that they treated this particular contractor like any other member of 'staff'

Thoughts anyone?

[cojak]

That sounds like standard fare for a Financial Sector contract, be thankful you don't have to sit through TCF and FCA training as well. :rolleyes

[SimonMac]

I'm contracting through my ltd co, and am based on-site at the client's site. I have been asked to complete some online 'staff' training, namely:

• A Workstation assessment
• The Bribery Act 2010
• DSE
• Health and Safety and the Environment
• Information Security

I don't have a huge problem with the content, and my written contract says (in the control section) that I will adhere to health and safety based control, so I guess some of this falls into that category. And the bribery and info sec content is valid as its relevant to the role and industry sector.

The problem I have is the use of the term 'staff' in the email to me and also on the online training portal that I am expected to log into to take the training.
The reason I am particularly cautious is that this particular client has in the past been involved in a very high profile IR35 case where the contractor lost, in part because the client 'fessed up and declared that they treated this particular contractor like any other member of 'staff'

Thoughts anyone?

As you say health and safety, and InfoSec training are generally ok to go on, if it is a blanket email to all "staff" word your reply that although you are a third party you will satisfy the request given the content.

[sal]

What SM said, it says "staff" not "employees". People really need to relax and no be so up tight about IR35 this, IR35 that. Get the contract reviewed, get an insurance if you like, don't do stupid tulip and carry on invoicing. Irritating the Client by digging in your heals for tulip like this is bad business.

[unixman]

It's all down to Gordon's FUD I'm afraid.

[SteelyDan]

I'm contracting through my ltd co, and am based on-site at the client's site. I have been asked to complete some online 'staff' training, namely:

• A Workstation assessment
• The Bribery Act 2010
• DSE
• Health and Safety and the Environment
• Information Security

The problem I have is the use of the term 'staff' in the email to me and also on the online training portal that I am expected to log into to take the training.
The reason I am particularly cautious is that this particular client has in the past been involved in a very high profile IR35 case where the contractor lost, in part because the client 'fessed up and declared that they treated this particular contractor like any other member of 'staff'

Thoughts anyone?

It's usually the case that 'all staff' includes contractors too, and looking at your list, it all looks like mandatory training. If you choose not to complete it they can escort you off-site. The company needs to ensure that all staff, including contractors, complete this training in order that you don't become a liability, particularly with Bribery & IS stuff. Don't get all precious about this affecting IR35.

[cojak]

Forward the email to your company email account and reply on behalf of YourCo.