Dress code

[Optimus Prime]

Because it's common sense?

The amount they pay me, I'll dress up in drag if they want me to. Much prefer casual but you have to go with the flow.

Common sense tells you that the developer getting 120k should be in a suit and the developer on 60k is fine without one? Anyway, it sounds like it would work well to cast an air of superiority. My common sense stands improved.

[northernladuk]

Strictly speaking, I think yes. But it would only be a very minor indicator. It's not like you have to wear a uniform or anything.

in the same way that billionaires are always more casually dressed than their chauffeurs.

I dont think it is direction at all, just like adhering to site H&S isn't direction either. I think it more of an etiquette or level of professionalism than control.

They do dress more casually but in clothes worth 100's of pounds more.

[kaiser78]

Jeans are for weekends and not for the workplace imho unless you are working on a building site, which I would guess for the average IT contractor is not the case. Dress smart, create a professional image of yourself and act professional. Same thing, women wearing flip flops in the office should not be allowed.

[perplexed]

Jeans are for weekends and not for the workplace imho unless you are working on a building site, which I would guess for the average IT contractor is not the case. Dress smart, create a professional image of yourself and act professional. Same thing, women wearing flip flops in the office should not be allowed.

I'm going to stand for election.

Fit lasses must walk absolutely naked.

Munters must wear full burkhas.

Think it might be a vote winner.

[v8gaz]

Rule #3 of Contracting:

Contractors are always better dressed than permies.

Gosh, Mal, you must work for some right scruffy gits

[malvolio]

Gosh, Mal, you must work for some right scruffy gits

I've got much better suits for paid work.

[Darren_Test]

In all my previous contracts, i've tended to wear what the hell i like (jeans, t-shirts, trainers).

In my latest (new) contract, it has been suggested that i should be wearing smart business attire like others (permies and contractors) at client co.

I don't really feel comfortable with being "told" what to wear, but this isn't a deal breaker. What i'm concerned about is how this looks from an IR35 POV.

Could this be classed as direction and control? Just wondering what other people's thoughts are on this?

I think you shouldn't have given them chance to tell this. After seeing how others dressed around, you should have changed accordingly...

[bobspud]

I have my suits made for me due to the fact that I know how a gentleman's suit is made compared to the crap that comes off the peg in the high street. However as soon as I walk on site and know that I am shaming even my boss, I dress down to smart jeans and a blazer (still tailored) and most of the time the client is happy. Then when I have to do the "power" meetings I can step up a gear and people notice a difference.

[d000hg]

If you find suit & tie strangles you, at least wear a nice shirt and trousers... posh jeans even if they aren't bright blue.

I hate the feeling of wearing a tie but these days that is not considered as essential to look smart, especially if you have a jacket.

[perplexed]

I tend to prefer jeans and T shirt tbh.

Mostly because I look tulip whatever I wear...