Client insisting I do online driving training course like their employees

[HappyGoLucky]

Concerned it will blur the IR35 divide if I just give in and do it.

My name is lumped in with the 'team/unit' members like other contractors and I must make use of a client derived email address in order to access secure systems/databases. So for carpet bomb training requests like this it looks like I am staff to any other part of the clients business structure.

Surely my driving, whether for them or not, is of no concern or responsibility to them?

[WTFH]

Concerned it will blur the IR35 divide if I just give in and do it.

My name is lumped in with the 'team/unit' members like other contractors and I must make use of a client derived email address in order to access secure systems/databases. So for carpet bomb training requests like this it looks like I am staff to any other part of the clients business structure.

Surely my driving, whether for them or not, is of no concern or responsibility to them?

Lots of things you've not told us:
1. What is your role at the company?
2. Would you be doing driving for them?
3. Would you be travelling between their sites?
4. Are they in the construction industry?

The IR35 thing could be a red herring.

[HappyGoLucky]

Lots of things you've not told us:
1. What is your role at the company? I'm an Engineering specialist that supports the clients side of the project team.
2. Would you be doing driving for them? I drive to sites where the construction is being done now and again to look at issues.
3. Would you be travelling between their sites? The construction sites and sometimes to the client and MWC offices (not so much these days clearly)
4. Are they in the construction industry? I am primarily am involved in the design phase prior to the construction taking place.

The IR35 thing could be a red herring.

See above

[eek]

See above

It's a red herring then - health and safety trumps everything and as you need to drive to sites, they need you to sit their driving courses.

[WTFH]

See above

I took a guess at construction industry simply because there are rules and regulations regarding driving that apply to anyone visiting their sites.
A one-time visitor will be asked to sign documents at security and will need to follow the instructions in the car parks. If you're travelling to other sites where the car park is not officially marked out and the site is closed to most people, then you'll need to do the training and follow the rules. Otherwise:
1. The construction company's insurance won't cover them
2. You, or others, could get seriously injured.

You'll also maybe have to do safety training courses about holding on to the banister when walking up and down stairs, and if you don't have a free hand, taking the lift.

This has NOTHING, ZERO, ZILCH to do with IR35 and everything to do with construction industry safety regulations.

[malvolio]

It's been said many times. If everyone has to do it, it has absolutely no effect on your IR35 status.