IT issues - unable to access end client network

[crowls]

Hello - Im new to contracting and I'm my fifth day on the job. I have been having no end of IT issues with issues at the end clients network culminating in me having to send my IT equipment back to them. In the meantime my hiring manager is unable to send me work due to confidentiality issues and is asking whether id like to take the day off.

I wondered what the position is here as I'm ready and willing to work - their IT is the problem so does that mean I can't invoice and lose a day or two pay as a result?

TIA

[cojak]

You’re a contractor now. These things happen. One day off isn’t going to break the contract but I would push them to confirm when you’ll be able to login. I would also ask the manager if there is anything you could do to get up to speed without breaking confidentiality rules as a way to keep invoicing.

[Paddy]

Buy a one page a day diary and write everything down, who when what and where. (don't use your phone or a PC for that)
You can then refer to that when needed.
Make your self busy and learn off others while you wait
Sent £50 to me for this advice.

[northernladuk]

Are you inside or outside IR35? I'd be concerned your hiring manager is asking you to take the day off if you are a contractor. You can't do work you don't get paid I am afraid. Tough one as it's their fault but they can just say don't do work for the next week and they don't have to pay.

Welcome to contracting I am afraid.

P.S. Did you put as much effort in to fixing your IT problems as you did researching the best place for your post? That could be the issue.

[Whorty]

What's your role?
Can they not set you up on O365 and mail so you can access stuff?
Have they not got citrix?
Have you not signed (or offered to sign) an NDA?

Never had an issue myself using client kit, so what exactly wasn't working?

[crowls]

You’re a contractor now. These things happen. One day off isn’t going to break the contract but I would push them to confirm when you’ll be able to login. I would also ask the manager if there is anything you could do to get up to speed without breaking confidentiality rules as a way to keep invoicing.

Thanks - yes I've done that and am busy working on some non-confi work to enable me to continue working .

[cojak]

Thanks - yes I've done that and am busy working on some non-confi work to enable me to continue working .

Excellent! Keep up with the proactive, get-up-and-go, can-do attitude! It’s the difference between a contractor and a permie and keeps us in-contract and invoicing.

[Gibbon]

Thanks - yes I've done that and am busy working on some non-confi work to enable me to continue working .

Nice one! Also a short period of not invoicing is nothing compared to long term client relationship, cos that's what keeps the money coming in. Happened to me many times for various reasons. Also, IMHO, don't stay too long, 2 years in start looking for another client, i.e. get more than one satisfied client on your CV. Returning clients even better.

[ladymuck]

Nice one! Also a short period of not invoicing is nothing compared to long term client relationship, cos that's what keeps the money coming in. Happened to me many times for various reasons. Also, IMHO, don't stay too long, 2 years in start looking for another client, i.e. get more than one satisfied client on your CV. Returning clients even better.

Two years? Cripes I'm bored stiff and climbing the walls after 12 months.

[Gibbon]

Two years? Cripes I'm bored stiff and climbing the walls after 12 months.

Me too, but a few renewals looks good on the first gig. Anyway if you're that bored you could put some effort in on that macro!