In uk.d-i-y the_constructor wrote:
For some years now, we have had a standard lamp and a small table lamp in
the lounge both with low wattage energy saving light bulbs in, plugged into
a time switch then plugged into the wall socket.

Just been looking through a catalogue and it says I quote; "Not suitable for
use with dimmers, time switches and photo cells"

They are not for electronic timeswitches, as they may malfunction.
Cheap mechanical ones will work fine.