Strange client restrictions

[WLB2018]

Hi Folks,

Started a new contract yesterday; was given the usual Health & Safety tour, which ended at the kitchen area - where I was told that as a contractor I was not permitted to use the drink making facilities, I would need to bring my own tea/coffee/milk sugar!

Never come across this before, anyone else ever come across strange client restrictions?

Feel free to move this if it is best placed elsewhere.

WLB

[Lance]

nope. Never.

get it in writing and file in your 'IR35 evidence' folder. It's only a weak pointer, but it's still evidence.

[PhiltheGreek]

Did they ask you to bring your own bog roll too?

[Hobosapien]

The permies may have some sort of coffee club going where they share the cost of restocking the kitchen, or der management (Hale and Pace reference for the oldies) may have some bee in their bonnet about contractors not using the permie facilities.

I expect they have a separate coffee/tea facility for any business guests and management so see if you can use that. Worse case scenario you sort yourself out and don't have to bother about asking the permies if they want a brew when you go to make yours (having a stash of tea/coffee in your desk) seeing as you are excluded from their 'club'. Personally I'd class that as a win.

See if there's a decent coffee outlet on the way in to the client so you can turn up with a proper cup of coffee each morning and a grin like a cheshire cat.

[WLB2018]

Did they ask you to bring your own bog roll too?

Hmm not yet, best not ask just in case...dont want to get caught short!

The permies may have some sort of coffee club going where they share the cost of restocking the kitchen, or der management (Hale and Pace reference for the oldies) may have some bee in their bonnet about contractors not using the permie facilities.

I expect they have a separate coffee/tea facility for any business guests and management so see if you can use that. Worse case scenario you sort yourself out and don't have to bother about asking the permies if they want a brew when you go to make yours (having a stash of tea/coffee in your desk) seeing as you are excluded from their 'club'. Personally I'd class that as a win.

See if there's a decent coffee outlet on the way in to the client so you can turn up with a proper cup of coffee each morning and a grin like a cheshire cat.

I checked this morning, no coffee club, just company policy, employees and guests only.

Luckily there is a Starbucks and Costa closeby.

WLB

[wattaj]

Luckily there is a Starbucks and Costa closeby.

Have it Deliverooed (sp?) to your desk.

[malvolio]

...

Luckily there is a Starbucks and Costa closeby.

WLB

I wouldn't describe that as "luckily". But then I prefer coffee

[simes]

Never come across that one before. Don't suppose you wish to name the client?

I'd just come in and rearrange your desk to fit your nespresso machine and plate of chocolate Florentines.

And then instigate your own contractors' policy...

[WLB2018]

I wouldn't describe that as "luckily". But then I prefer coffee

Better than nothing, but I know what you mean

Never come across that one before. Don't suppose you wish to name the client?

I'd just come in and rearrange your desk to fit your nespresso machine and plate of chocolate Florentines.

And then instigate your own contractors' policy...

Spooky, there are two other contractors here (they are working in HR) and have done exactly that. Might have to chip in with them

[psychocandy]

Some weird clients out there. Had one who had a "contractors area" for desks which was a bit strange....

Also, this particular client had a policy that contractors weren't allowed to leave site at lunchtime (but permes were). Ummm do one.