What should a contractor do in the following scenario:
Background: The contract is between the employee and the recruiting agency that got the employee the job. Today the work was done 1.5 hours early and the employee was told to go home. The recruiting agency wants a time sheet filled out for the hours worked. The options are:
- fill out the time sheet as if the employee worked the 1.5 hours
- fill out the time sheet for when the employee left work
- ask the recruiting agency what they want
- ask the end client what they want
#2 is perhaps the most honest. On the other hand, the work was finished early because the employee worked hard and efficiently. The work hours aren't specified in the contract but it had been agreed 8 hour days and full time work.
The above situation is a specific scenario but what about in general? I'm guessing contractors have less leeway than employees when it comes to getting paid for hours not actually worked, but what is the most ethical and pragmatic strategy for approaching this scenario?
Update: I asked the agency and they finally answered I can expense for the full 8 hours. I told them next time it should be made clear up front.