Overnight Expenses

[TheFaQQer]

But I'm not claiming for anything or doing anything over and above the terms of my contract. Just checked the timesheet and the tick-box says "Overnight Stay" which technically is correct. Whatever ABC Ltd do with that information is out of my hands, surely?

That would be my approach. If you incur an overnight stay, then there is a field there to flag that up - you never know, at renewal time they may count the number of overnight stays and give you a rate increase or something.

Don't let the IR35 tail wag the dog - you have the choice of either helping the party that you contract with, or not, with no implication on anything else that you do. So why wouldn't you tick the box?

[MojoDog]

Don't let the IR35 tail wag the dog - you have the choice of either helping the party that you contract with, or not, with no implication on anything else that you do. So why wouldn't you tick the box?

Agreed. A little bit of goodwill goes a long way

Thanks for all the replies, it's always good to get different perspectives.

[kingcook]

If they're getting some extra money because you are staying over night, and not passing it on to you, you need to negotiate for some extra.

If they're not willing to do that, just say you're not staying overnight.

[MojoDog]

If they're getting some extra money because you are staying over night, and not passing it on to you, you need to negotiate for some extra.

If they're not willing to do that, just say you're not staying overnight.

With the greatest respect, I don't need to do anything. I already said that I negotiated and accepted a contract rate that was right for me. Kicking up a fuss mid-contract will just cause bad feeling all round.

I'm already compiling evidence for a rate-rise come renewal time - I'll make sure all of this is factored in

[riffpie]

If they're getting some extra money because you are staying over night, and not passing it on to you, you need to negotiate for some extra.

If they're not willing to do that, just say you're not staying overnight.

What his client is making out of their business with their client isn't really any of OPs concern. He's getting a rate he's happy with, he was presumably comfortable with the overnight stay when he accepted the offer, that's really an end of the matter, no? If it turned out he was staying with a friend overnight, at no cost to himself, could ClientCo then ask for a slice of that benefit, and reduce his rate accordingly?

[kingcook]

What his client is making out of their business with their client isn't really any of OPs concern. He's getting a rate he's happy with, he was presumably comfortable with the overnight stay when he accepted the offer, that's really an end of the matter, no? If it turned out he was staying with a friend overnight, at no cost to himself, could ClientCo then ask for a slice of that benefit, and reduce his rate accordingly?

I would be concerned if someone was making money out of me for ticking a box.

[riffpie]

I would be concerned if someone was making money out of me for ticking a box.

They're not making money out of you - or OP - though. They're making money out of their client.

[riffpie]

Personally I wouldn't tick the box on the principle that it isn't relevant to your relationship with the MS company. You are obligated to pay your own expenses, in much the same way they can't ask for a copy of your company accounts it's basically none of their business.

I'd be the same way, I expect. As someone else mentioned, it's probably a more pragmatic move to tick the box and grease some wheels with the client, but I'm not averse to being less than pragmatic now and again in the name of a principle.

[MojoDog]

... So the MS company could just be making up the expense claims and passing them on, a dangerous game.

I would at the very least want e-mail confirmation that by ticking this box, they won't want hotel receipts or other evidence at a later date.

Personally I wouldn't tick the box on the principle that it isn't relevant to your relationship with the MS company...

Some very good points there. Thank you.

I just emailed ABC Ltd and said that whilst I was happy to tick the box as a gesture of goodwill I would like it made clear that whatever arrangements have been agreed between them and the client regarding this matter are not relevant to the contract between ABC Ltd and myself. And furthermore, as I do not submit any expense claims to ABC Ltd for overnight accommodation, I would like some written assurance that I will not be asked to provide receipts etc or other evidence at a later date.

ABC Ltd replied straightaway and said "Absolutely, thanks for helping us out..."