Actual Hours v Contracted Hours

**NickNick** · 28 February 2008, 13:47

It has been my experience that the client will only pay the standard daily rate and will expect a "professional working day" out of you. If that means you do 5 one day, 7.5 the next and 15 the next, then so be it.

However my current gig is 7 hours a day 9-5 with an hour for lunch and no work done at all outside those hours and is on day rate.

**moorfield** · 28 February 2008, 13:48

I think IBs stopped paying hourly rates for exactly that reason - they know they get much more value for money out of you on a daily rate.

**oracleslave** · 28 February 2008, 13:49

Originally posted by apb View Post

So do I invoice for standard daily rate per day?

The Agency require timesheets to be entered online, if I input actual hours do they pay the extra and should I invoice appropriately to tally.

Invoice the standard rate per day and enter 7.5 in the timesheet system. Keep your own record of hours actually worked in excel or something if you want. Working long hours isn't going to get you paid anymore unless it's agreed time over and above your professional day.

**rootsnall** · 28 February 2008, 13:54

Just do your 7.5 hour days and put that on your timesheet and play it by ear once you get on site and find out what is expected and what other contractors are doing ( getting away with ! ). I doubt they'll pay over the daily rate without some sort of extra approval for overtime but you never know. I like to keep any time juggling informal, if I do a long day I'll take the hours back on a different day informally. In other words stick to putting 7.5 hour days on your timesheet and keep yourself off any bean counter types radar.

**rootsnall** · 28 February 2008, 13:59

Originally posted by moorfield View Post

I think IBs stopped paying hourly rates for exactly that reason - they know they get much more value for money out of you on a daily rate.

Not me !

However buckin the trend at IBs doesn't do your renewal chances much good. One IB manager I worked for was in state of panic when I packed up dead on 5pm on day 1

**Dow Jones** · 28 February 2008, 13:59

1st contract

If this is the case, I'd get there 30 mins earlier and leave 30 mins later for the first few weeks and if that makes 1 hr a day or 5 hrs a week more than the min., so be it. You'll have a few things to read and familiarise yourself with the new applications.
If you start clockwatching from the 1st day of your 1st contract, you won't go far. Drop the permie mentality and you'll do well.

**NickFitz** · 28 February 2008, 14:02

I work on the basis that the client will get 37.5 hours spread over five days, with an informal understanding that I arrive in the afternoon on Mondays and leave at lunchtime on Fridays, because of having to travel.

I don't mind doing a bit extra occasionally as a goodwill gesture (last Friday I left five hours late just to help them out) but if they regularly wanted any more than a normal 37.5 hours (or up to 40 if that's what was agreed when arranging the contract) then I would want to renegotiate on the basis that overtime is for permies - they wouldn't expect a plumber or a building contractor to work unpaid overtime, so why should I?

**Ardesco** · 28 February 2008, 14:11

I just put down what I do and get paid for it. If the end client has a problem somebody will have a word with you at which point you start packing up as soon as you have done your 7.5 hours. I find that they won't expect you to do extra hours for free if you do this and I haven't had any issues getting extensions.

**apb** · 28 February 2008, 14:13

Thanks Guys

Thanks for the help.

I'll do as you suggest:

Put the standard hours on the timesheet.
Keep an informal record myself.
Ascertain what others are doing on-site.
Establish a good relationship with a bit of give and take.

Clockwatching is the last thing I want to do - I'm sure I will be able to work out a way of working that will be beneficial for me and the Client.

Roll on Monday!

Thanks.

Actual Hours v Contracted Hours