Timesheet delays, incorrect start dates... is this normal?

[lifexplorer]

Hi everyone,

Looking to have a bit of a whinge here... been contracting with one of the major high street banks (who I used to actually used to work as a manager at not too long ago), but seem to be encountering constant administrative failures - curious whether what I'm going through is normal, and if there's much I can do without having another contract in the pipeline to go to externally. Here's what happened in just three months:

- Was told, repeatedly right up to the week prior to starting, that my contract would begin on Monday, Date x. Told on Date X (when an 1.5 hrs into a 4 hour train trip on way to client site) that because someone at client's agency forgot to file something on the Friday, I couldn't start till the date x+1. Background checks, etc completed a good month ago so I was expected for a good long while. Gave notice at my previous contract as well and got pressured to leave soon since the new client wanted me urgently.

- Asked for flexibility to work from home once a week (dealbreaker condition). My agency said this wouldn't be an issue after the first few weeks, common enough for most contractors to do (and I had no problem getting this when I was a perm manager). Asked about plans for laptops and what not before starting, and told this would all come through on some starter details which I never received. Showed up and line manager had no idea I'd need this at all - luckily I got this negotiated AFTER starting at least.

- Manager didn't sign timesheets for first 2-3 weeks of joining despite some polite reminders, (email and verbal). When I caught himin the break room and asked he mentioned he thought this has to be done on paper - no one set him up on systemfor online timesheet sign up.

- I couldn't invoice my signed timesheets on my agency's timesheet system due to them setting up my details incorrectly, though this got sorted reasonably quickly after my manager approved for first couple of weeks of timesheets.

- I now have 3 weeks (soon to be 4) in outstanding timesheets yet to be signed despite multiple polite prompts and emails on my part, on top of the regular notifications from the online system from the client's agency. To date I think I've had maybe 3 timesheets signed off in a timely manner. I've got funds built up to cover my expenses and what not in the limited co, but still not really relishing not being able to invoice for payment (with a one month delay) due to these timesheets not getting signed by manager.

- Was asked about willingness to extend existing contract a few weeks ago (actual work wise things are going well, delivering stuff ahead of schedule, etc), and supposedly this is being processed, though no word yet, and I'm gettin emails from IT saying my access will get cut in next couple of weeks if contractsnot re-approved - which would necessite (painful) re-requesting of system access to things assuming extension happened.

ARRRRRGH... to be honest as a permie at this company I noticed their payroll area would repeatedly screw up paysips for myself, my direct reports and my colleagues so maybe I shouldn't be surprised at how much incompetence said client's agency who handles all contractors does as well. I'd love to name and shame but figure my reputation in a small world is worth too much.

[chef]

If you are Opted in to the agency regs then having signed timesheets is not linked to you being paid on time as long as you have done the work.

[lifexplorer]

If you are Opted in to the agency regs then having signed timesheets is not linked to you being paid on time as long as you have done the work.

You mean opted in to the Agency Workers Directive, or whatever? Pretty sure I had to opt out of that when signing this contract (and may last one for that matter through a different agency for a different client).

[northernladuk]

Nothin out of the ordinary there. I could list a whole load of other cock ups you could encounter that you haven't hit yet but not one of those is unique to you. A tad unfortunate you encoutered so many on one gig but not inconceiveable.

[Ignis Fatuus]

As NLUK says, par for the course.

And BTW as for the WFH requirement, if you put a dealbreaker condition to the agent, of course he is going to tell you it's all right (in case you break the deal), but say nothing to the client (in case they break the deal). That's because he is a slimy lying toerag who doesn't care what happens to you as long as he gets his money.

[Wanderer]

And BTW as for the WFH requirement, if you put a dealbreaker condition to the agent, of course he is going to tell you it's all right (in case you break the deal), but say nothing to the client (in case they break the deal). That's because he is a slimy lying toerag who doesn't care what happens to you as long as he gets his money.

Right enough, the agent will promise you the moon on a stick to get you to take the job and then let you sort it out later...

Forget all this about your contract being with the agent, not the client. You have to negotiate this type of stuff directly with the client then get it in writing with the agent. If you try to negotiate detail like this with the agent to take to the client then you will find that there has been a "misunderstanding" between everything you agreed with the agent and what the agent has told the client (ie, nothing).