Standard Hours - Does it include an hour for lunch?

[WTFH]

When do you take a tea break then?

TEA break? When I can...

[washed up contractor]

Most of the time, my contract is based on day rate with no reference to the number of hours and I often get confused with the number of working/contracted/standard hours. Therefore I do 8 + 1 hour as a standard.

Just curious to know how other contractors approach it. Do you do 7+1 or 8+1?

Not sure I follow what you're asking. Are you asking how many hours a day should you work and get paid for in a standard day? Would you expect to have to pay your tradesman for his lunch break?

[BR14]

Not sure I follow what you're asking. Are you asking how many hours a day should you work and get paid for in a standard day? Would you expect to have to pay your tradesman for his lunch break?

What is it with this 'tradesman/ plumber' stuff?

[Old Greg]

Not sure I follow what you're asking. Are you asking how many hours a day should you work and get paid for in a standard day? Would you expect to have to pay your tradesman for his lunch break?

It looks like the OP is just curious to know how other contractors approach it.

[WTFH]

It looks like the OP is just curious to know how other contractors approach it.

I approach lunch with the right tools for the job... A bottle opener.

[Old Greg]

I approach lunch with the right tools for the job... A bottle opener.

Can't afford champagne?

[LondonManc]

Contractor's timetable:

8:15-9:30 - Coffee, toasted bagel and overnight checks (CUK, BBC Transfer Gossip column, etc.)
9:30-9:35 - Stand up meeting
9:35-9:45 - Toilet
9:45-10:00 - meeting prep
10:00-11:00 - meeting
11:00-12:00 - CUK
12:00-13:00(ish) - lunch
14:00-15:30 - work
15:30-16:30 - CUK
16:35 - pint o'clock

[WTFH]

Can't afford champagne?

How do you open yours?

[psychocandy]

OP - Do same or slightly more than permies and most clients are happy. 7.5/8 hours work is probably standard most places. I just do hours and make sure they sort of add up at the end of the week, so come in late, have long lunches etc when I want (as long as I attend meetings etc).

One thing - don't ask the agency. They'll make up some crap to get you to stay longer. Look at it from their point of view. Contractor on day rate works 10 hours a day for no extra, clients thinks wow the people I get from this agency are good I'll go to them again. Agent counts his commission, contractor has no life. Always remember agency cares little for your wellbeing unless it affects his commission.

[ChangePM]

I have a "swings and roundabouts" thought process usually. Some days I have a 12-14 hour day, other days it's a lot quieter and I can do what I need to in 6 hours - I still charge the same rate for a days work.

I'd say a normal day would be 7 + 1.