Reply to: Company asking to bring their own laptop for office work

[Old Greg]

I use my own laptop but have Citrix access from the laptop.

[northernladuk]

I know for sure of one SC only site (well room) that lets a non-cleared guy work there unattended (he was my replacement!) cos 'they couldn't find anyone'. I won't name and shame, I might want to go back....

I am certain they do, have seen some shocking examples of lax process. Problem is when some jobsworth finds out......

[stek]

Unfortuantely there is an element of trust that you are going to follow procedure... if you don't you get walked. They can't STOP you doing everything, there is some personal responsibility in everything. If you don't want to follow the guides you get walked and possible legal ramifications. The choice is yours.A secure site is not just about blocking technology.

I know for sure of one SC only site (well room) that lets a non-cleared guy work there unattended (he was my replacement!) cos 'they couldn't find anyone'. I won't name and shame, I might want to go back....

[northernladuk]

I worked on an SC site and they used to make you put a sticker over the phone bit. In fact, I had a case on my phone and they made me put a sticker just over the hole on the case.

If I took the phone out of the case I could take photos if I wanted. Didnt seem that secure to me.

Unfortuantely there is an element of trust that you are going to follow procedure... if you don't you get walked. They can't STOP you doing everything, there is some personal responsibility in everything. If you don't want to follow the guides you get walked and possible legal ramifications. The choice is yours.A secure site is not just about blocking technology.

[stek]

I worked on an SC site and they used to make you put a sticker over the phone bit. In fact, I had a case on my phone and they made me put a sticker just over the hole on the case.

If I took the phone out of the case I could take photos if I wanted. Didnt seem that secure to me.

We had this rammed down out throats at a Gov place in Wales and at weekend iPad's, Tablets, whatever abounded galore for football and sport live over 3G.....

[psychocandy]

I have seen those, its why I have a very cheap and basic non camera phone as my company phone

I worked on an SC site and they used to make you put a sticker over the phone bit. In fact, I had a case on my phone and they made me put a sticker just over the hole on the case.

If I took the phone out of the case I could take photos if I wanted. Didnt seem that secure to me.

[northernladuk]

troll... must be. Ganesh, clueless and a basic question.

Unfortunately this is becoming more and more common as contracting gets more popular. The more popular it gets the closer the end comes IMO.

Loads of guys here don't have a clue what IR35 is and make no attempt to understand it let alone understanding how contractors work. Office full of hidden perms with more coming in daily...

[Scoobos]

troll... must be. Ganesh, clueless and a basic question.

[BS1397]

Hi,

I am contractor based in Southampton. I recently got a contract after a long interview process, recruitment agencies has asked me to bring my laptop for work as company doesn't provide machines to Contractor.

I find it very strange. Is any contractor has faced similar kind of situation in their career ? I would really appreciate someone can advice me on this.


Thanks

Ganesh G

Setting aside the Security Policy, Build Image, Anti-Virus, Software Licensing & Data Protection Compliance because you are now potentially able to access protected records? What would happen if you agree and turn up for work with an old Toshiba Libretto 100 as your business laptop?

[SimonMac]

I've had the opposite actually on admittedly SC roles, can't bring anything on site that could either copy stuff onto it or even take a picture.....

No iPad - denied!

I have seen those, its why I have a very cheap and basic non camera phone as my company phone

[stek]

Yes, I had to use my own machine in two different contracts, so it's not uncommon. I always take a laptop with me on day one and I only use the client's machine if that is what they require me to do.

It's so much better to use your own machine, no restrictions and you can have a top spec machine set up exactly as you like. I wouldn't be complaining!

I've had the opposite actually on admittedly SC roles, can't bring anything on site that could either copy stuff onto it or even take a picture.....

No iPad - denied!

[FRS]

Yes, I had to use my own machine in two different contracts, so it's not uncommon. I always take a laptop with me on day one and I only use the client's machine if that is what they require me to do.

It's so much better to use your own machine, no restrictions and you can have a top spec machine set up exactly as you like. I wouldn't be complaining!

[psychocandy]

Another funny 'whats this IR35 malarkey' thread.....

[GaneshG]

Thanks Everyone for the help. I am going through the mentioned Articles. I'll ask for help again if I have some queries.


Thanks

Ganesh G

[northernladuk]

Hi All,

So I believe the general cosensus, it is ok for the company to ask me to bring my own laptop for office work. I was thinking to add some disclaimer in my contract that Any problem causing to their n/w or machines due to connecting my laptop to their n/w , I would not be held responsible for that. Do you guys think It is the right thing to do.

Some people have written about IR35. I have heard about it but does not know much in detail. Can any one explain how it is helpful in my case. FYI, I am operating through my Limited Company. My Accountants some time back suggested no to go IR35 way some time back. Not sure why he suggested that. As I am new into contracting, I would really appreciate some help from my fellow contractors.


Thanks,

Ganesh G

It sounds like about time you started learning about being a contractor. There are guides on IR35 on the right and plenty on the web. It is all about how you are taxed. You can be inside IR35 in which you are taxed more on your income, or outside, the position a true contractor should be in as a business. Getting it wrong could cost you more than you can pay in the long term so not to be taken lightly.

It is helpful in your case because if you are claiming outside IR35 I would say you are in trouble.

It is NOT for your accountant to be dictating your IR35 status. It is part of you running your own business. He can guide you, particularly if he did your contract review (which I doubt he has) but it is your decision as you are financially responsible for your own company, not him.

If you are running your company so irresponsibly you might even be better going umbrella to do away with the complexity of it.