Hi there,
I've been a limited company contractor for some time. Working hours has never been an issue to me - I agree before hand what hours I'll work (generally 8 till 4), and that's that. I run a few other businesses as well, which I inform all clients of at interview stage, so I'm rarely able to work late or work extra days than agreed.
However, my current client has recently raised an issue with me leaving the office a bit too early the days I'm in (15 mins, to be precise). I've spoken to them about it, and it's not a major issue (its just that the project is late through no fault of my own), but they're starting to state contract terms and working time regulations to me, such as that I need to take a minimum of 30 mins lunch, instead of my usual 5 - 10 mins.
As far as I'm aware, the working time regulations do not apply to me - and even if they do, its not my client's place to enforce them. Just wanted to see what other people's view is on this? I don't mind working a bit of extra time if I have it available, but it's rarely the case...
As a side note - the client is exceptionally happy with the amount and quality of work I've produced throughout the project... more so than any of the staff or other contractors here. Their only gripe is with me leaving a bit early and not being very flexible when it comes to overtime (which would be unpaid on a daily basis, afaik, though extra days would be paid).
Basically, I think there's a fundamental misunderstanding about the capacity in which I provide services to them... which seems to be a very common theme with most clients I work for. Especially those that ask me to work in their office for security or privacy reasons...
I've been a limited company contractor for some time. Working hours has never been an issue to me - I agree before hand what hours I'll work (generally 8 till 4), and that's that. I run a few other businesses as well, which I inform all clients of at interview stage, so I'm rarely able to work late or work extra days than agreed.
However, my current client has recently raised an issue with me leaving the office a bit too early the days I'm in (15 mins, to be precise). I've spoken to them about it, and it's not a major issue (its just that the project is late through no fault of my own), but they're starting to state contract terms and working time regulations to me, such as that I need to take a minimum of 30 mins lunch, instead of my usual 5 - 10 mins.
As far as I'm aware, the working time regulations do not apply to me - and even if they do, its not my client's place to enforce them. Just wanted to see what other people's view is on this? I don't mind working a bit of extra time if I have it available, but it's rarely the case...
As a side note - the client is exceptionally happy with the amount and quality of work I've produced throughout the project... more so than any of the staff or other contractors here. Their only gripe is with me leaving a bit early and not being very flexible when it comes to overtime (which would be unpaid on a daily basis, afaik, though extra days would be paid).
Basically, I think there's a fundamental misunderstanding about the capacity in which I provide services to them... which seems to be a very common theme with most clients I work for. Especially those that ask me to work in their office for security or privacy reasons...
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