Timesheet submission - data protection

[roadkill]

Hi all,

Long time lurker, but finally I have reason to post!

I've just started with a new agency. In all my past contracts I have used a variety of methods to get my timesheet to the agency at the end of the week, using whichever method is the easiest. Sometimes I have faxed it if there is a fax machine nearby, other times I have scanned it and emailed it if a scanner is close.

However, my latest agency insist they have to have it faxed. Fair enough if that's their way of working, but the reason they give is:

"For data protection reasons"

What?

Has anyone heard of this?

I have asked them what could flout the data protection act by emailing a signed timesheet, and was told that an emailed timesheet can be forged.

And a faxed timesheet can't?

My client is happy for it to be emailed, I'm happy for it to be emailed, but some jumped up payroll clerk isn't and won't budge.

I wouldn't care so much, other than the fact that my client doesn't actually have a fax machine! (Honestly)

I have to waste time walking into town or doing it in my spare time, and I hate wasting time.

Please please, can someone enlighten me to what data protection rules would be flouted by emailing in a timesheet?

[Malvolio]

None at all. Not that the agency will understand that.

However, to have a fax means there is a paper original somewhere, with a handwritten signature on it. So to the minions at Head Office that means there is an irrefutable paper-based audit trail. Ermm....

[Pistachio]

That's a little bit of crazy.

I bet they scan in the timesheets for their records too, which an email would stop them from having to do. So if anything you'd be doing them a favour!

[Biff]

I've heard of some odd requests for contractors, but that's just weird.

Have you actually insisted that they give you a real reason for the potential of violating data protection rules, and not the woolly "an emailed timesheet can be forged"?