Yes course its legal.
However, unlike others, I do think its a pointer towards employment since this is, presumably, what the permies do. Not only that, its a further indication of control by the client which in turn points to IR35.
But, there isnt much you can do about it if the client says do it or walk. Except walk and you really dont want to lose income for such a trivial matter.
- Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
- Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!
Reply to: Clocking on / off at client site
Collapse
You are not logged in or you do not have permission to access this page. This could be due to one of several reasons:
- You are not logged in. If you are already registered, fill in the form below to log in, or follow the "Sign Up" link to register a new account.
- You may not have sufficient privileges to access this page. Are you trying to edit someone else's post, access administrative features or some other privileged system?
- If you are trying to post, the administrator may have disabled your account, or it may be awaiting activation.
Logging in...
Previously on "Clocking on / off at client site"
Collapse
-
Most IBs will give you some sort of remote access now (maybe even a CrackBerry if you're deemed worthy enough), so just pop a mail out before you start your morning ablutions. Problem solved.
Leave a comment:
-
Thing is, if everyone has to do it, it's not D&C so immaterial in IR35 terms. If only contractors have to do it, you're clearly not employees then are you?
Yes it's irritating nonsense, but think positive - either way it helps your IR35 status.
Leave a comment:
-
What a bunch of pillocks. They invest in a door swipe system, then they want to add to it by a semi-manual system based on sending emails. Wow, so hi-tech.
Smacks of nervous management. They've no idea what's going on, so invest time and enery controlling the tiny things they can comprehend. Confusing activity with productivity.
Leave a comment:
-
Management have indicated that the door swipe system is not sufficient in it's logging for their needs, whatever they may be.
Don't think this will hold up for long, as most of us will simply "forget" to do etc. Also, what will my priority be first thing in the morning when I get in . . .
"Sorry mate, can't fix your trading system and know you are losing a few quid but, I have to send an email first. . . . "
LL
Leave a comment:
-
Have you thought about asking them why.
You think a clocking card is bad the staff here have to scan in and out using machines that read your hand biometrics.
Fortunately contractors are exempt. As we are from training etc.
Leave a comment:
-
Perfectly legal.
Excessive and expensive and probably introduced because some unethical contractors and permies have been taking the p1$$ by getting mates to clock them in and out. Odds are it will be a temporary state of affairs.
These sorts of things are often introduced by a manager whose only concept of management is bums on seats (i.e. he/she is clueless), but as usual it's a case of do it or change contract.
Leave a comment:
-
Maybe they suspect the clever I.T. contractors have found a way to hack the clocking system.
Leave a comment:
-
Of course its legal.
I have to sign in and out of client co with a time on the fire register doesn't mean I am IR35 caught just means I don't want to die (given that this warehouse burnt down 3 years ago with 800 people to check - I'll pay the game on this one).
Ask them why they want to do this. If its for timekeeping tell them ok and send the e-mail from your mobile when you've buggered off.
Leave a comment:
-
Clocking on / off at client site
The client I contract for (Investment Bank) has a door swipe system in the office which, logs all entry / exit times.
There is now talk of each contractor having to send an email to a specified bank email address when arriving / departing the office.
Question is this, Is this legal ? As they already have these times on record.
Any advice ?
Cheers
LLTags: None
- Home
- News & Features
- First Timers
- IR35 / S660 / BN66
- Employee Benefit Trusts
- Agency Workers Regulations
- MSC Legislation
- Limited Companies
- Dividends
- Umbrella Company
- VAT / Flat Rate VAT
- Job News & Guides
- Money News & Guides
- Guide to Contracts
- Successful Contracting
- Contracting Overseas
- Contractor Calculators
- MVL
- Contractor Expenses
Advertisers
Contractor Services
CUK News
- 26 predictions for UK IT contracting in 2026 Today 07:17
- How salary sacrifice pension changes will hit contractors Dec 24 07:48
- All the big IR35/employment status cases of 2025: ranked Dec 23 08:55
- Why IT contractors are (understandably) fed up with recruitment agencies Dec 22 13:57
- Contractors, don’t fall foul of HMRC’s expenses rules this Christmas party season Dec 19 09:55
- A delay to the employment status consultation isn’t why an IR35 fix looks further out of reach Dec 18 08:22
- How asking a tech jobs agency basic questions got one IT contractor withdrawn Dec 17 07:21
- Are Home Office immigration policies sacrificing IT contractors for ‘cheap labour’? Dec 16 07:48
- Will 2026 see the return of the ‘Outside IR35’ contractor? Dec 15 07:51
- Contractors, Reeves’ dividends raid is disastrous. Act, but without acceptance Dec 12 07:10

Leave a comment: