If you’re not sure what part and parcel within IR35 really means, check out our explanation page.
The right mindset
- Remember you are a business, not an employee. If you want to take advantage of employee perks, then become an employee. Do not mix these two things up.
- You must drive a clear line of differentiation between you and your client’s employees. Sometimes it means you’ll need to be the party-pooper and refuse to take part in social activities with peers who you like. You’re smart enough to manage this correctly so no feelings are hurt.
- Take responsibility early for correcting issues. It can be hard when you are months into a contract to point out that you now object to being given a job title and being added to an org chart. The sooner you correct problems, the better.
- Becoming part and parcel can creep up on you. If you’re on a long contract, check-in every few months and review and correct your bad habits.
Red flags
- Attending training funded by your client. If you must go, don’t charge the client for your time.
- Being involved in the formal appraisal or performance management of client employees, or having HR or managerial responsibilities beyond coordinating a team.
- Attending staff meetings where you’re discussing employee issues.
- Receiving any performance-related bonus, cash or other gifts, that client employees also receive.
- Accessing employee benefits or facilities, for example, subsidised staff canteens, sports facilities, clubs, staff parking, etc. If you must use them, pay visitor prices.
- Being given business cards with your name and your client’s name on them
- Having an ID badge that doesn’t say you’re a contractor/visitor, or having unrestricted access to client premises. If all security passes are the same, consider getting lanyards printed with your company name on.
- Attending social events hosted/paid for by your client.
- Appearing on org charts (internal or external) where you’re not identified as a contractor, or appearing in company phone directories.
- Having a client-assigned job title.
- Being subject to internal rules and regulations that apply to employees, other than H&S, security, confidentiality.
- Wearing client-branded uniform, using client-branded stationery, or putting client stickers on your laptop (no matter how cool the brand is!).
- Visiting your client’s clients, without it being made clear you’re a consultant/contractor.
- Having a client email address that does not make it clear you are an external consultant/contractor. If this is unavoidable, add it to your email signature
