Agent not giving a physical contract

[jmo21]

A friend of mine has just started a new contract, and agent initially refused to give him a signed contract.

Instead they want him to "sign up" to an electronic one on their contractors portal. I asked if maybe there was some kind of digital signature from them on the contract but he said there wasn't.

He kicked up a huge stink and I think they have now relented and gave him a signed contract.

Seems very strange to me. Anyone worked under that kind of situation?

I won't name the agent just now.

[SueEllen]

Agents need to give you a copy of the contract and giving it to you by electronic means is acceptable. (http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2003/20033319.htm)

I was also told by a lawyer friend that as long as a person can be clearly identified in a document, whether on paper or electronic means, then it can form a contract.

You don't state whether this portal allows your friend to download a copy of the contract with the full recognised name of the agent and agency on it.

[BrilloPad]

Could he download a "signed" contract? The QDOS PI contracy had a signature section : so you could download and print it off.

AFAIK a verbal contract is fine : so a contract that can be downloaded with a signature on is okay. What becomes more tricky is off you object to certain clauses : you cannot just cross them out and sign them!