Is it the norm to be asked to use own computer for an Inside IR35 contract?

[BlasterBates]

I would consider a Linux laptop.

[BlasterBates]

The end client is a bank and I will be required to install Citrix on my laptop. I would just have the usual MCAfee protection installed. Is this enough? They're saying that ordering a laptop would delay my start date and that is even if the request gets approved which apparently is highly unlikely, as agent stated that only perms get a laptop. The role is remote but quite an odd situation seeing as last time I worked with this client I was provided with a laptop!

I work for a large company that was issuing laptops up until last year, so I think you'll find this is a trend. You probably don't need anything other than a low end laptop as everything will probably run on their virtual desktop. Surely the cost to you of delaying the start date is higher than a laptop that costs a few hundred pounds.

[WTFH]

The end client is a bank and I will be required to install Citrix on my laptop. I would just have the usual MCAfee protection installed. Is this enough? They're saying that ordering a laptop would delay my start date and that is even if the request gets approved which apparently is highly unlikely, as agent stated that only perms get a laptop. The role is remote but quite an odd situation seeing as last time I worked with this client I was provided with a laptop!

You've not mentioned the spec of your laptop, so it's hard to make a call on certain things, but in my experience a few years ago, McAfee is bloated and slows systems down. I would remove it (and try to remove all the other things it has installed without you knowing) and then run Windows Defender.
Unless you spend your days on the dark web, TPB, PornHub, etc, then WD will do a perfectly good job - if your computer is running W10 or later.
Windows Defender is also free.

[eek]

The end client is a bank and I will be required to install Citrix on my laptop. I would just have the usual MCAfee protection installed. Is this enough? They're saying that ordering a laptop would delay my start date and that is even if the request gets approved which apparently is highly unlikely, as agent stated that only perms get a laptop. The role is remote but quite an odd situation seeing as last time I worked with this client I was provided with a laptop!

Yes - citrix isn't exactly the most demanding of software..

[Lost It]

I'm still using a very old (It has a "Windows Vista" licence with it) HP Elitebook 8440p. I bought an i7 processor, put an SSD in it but it will only hold 6GB of RAM however it has a DVD player. Really pisses people off when their "work machines" don't even have USB access, whereas I can play music on mine, watch films without using up bandwidth.

Main reason I stuck with it is it doesn't have a reflective screen, that makes it so much easier to use...

It's perfectly adequate as long as you get suitable A/V software, I use Hitman, seems to do the job.

[ziggystardust]

The poster may be direct with the agency.

My contract is through Umbrella so maybe worth a try?!

[ziggystardust]

I might add that last time I did dig my heels in at the 11th hour by saying that I was pulling out of the contract as I was not prepared to use my own laptop due to issues with it. They soon backtracked and sorted one a week into me starting, but that's not worked this time....

[ziggystardust]

The end client is a bank and I will be required to install Citrix on my laptop. I would just have the usual MCAfee protection installed. Is this enough? They're saying that ordering a laptop would delay my start date and that is even if the request gets approved which apparently is highly unlikely, as agent stated that only perms get a laptop. The role is remote but quite an odd situation seeing as last time I worked with this client I was provided with a laptop!

[BlasterBates]

This article explains why in the future you are much more likely to have to provide your own laptop.

https://www.hpe.com/us/en/insights/a...ones-2108.html

For many companies virtual workstations are deemed to be just as secure as providing physical workstations and saves them a lot of money.

[SueEllen]

I'd like to see the Umbrella's faces when that request goes in

The poster may be direct with the agency.