diff --git a/.github/workflows/make.yml b/.github/workflows/make.yml
index a345329..1a15100 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/make.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/make.yml
@@ -59,6 +59,15 @@ jobs:
     - name: Run make split
       run: make split
 
+    - name: update timestamp if needed
+      run: |
+      if [[ $(git diff --stat) != '' ]]; then
+        echo 'git dirty, updating timestamp'
+        date +%s > "timestamp.txt"
+      else
+        echo 'no git changes, no timestamp update needed'
+      fi
+
     # Runs a set of commands using the runners shell
     - name: Check git diff
       run: |