Conflict with ex agency

[TheFaQQer]

IF you did NOT opt out, the handcuffs are max 12 weeks BY LAW, 8 is the recommended

Not quite - the regulations do not make recommendations.

If you did not opt out, in writing, before being introduced to the client then any restriction cannot be enforced either eight weeks after the last day worked or fourteen weeks after the first day worked (whichever ends later).

See The Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 Part II, Regulation 10, section (5) (linky)

[NigelJK]

Thanks, was looking for that, but a tad busy at client co atm.

The 8 weeks was the recommendation when the legislation was introduced, it may have changed since then.
I regularly get contracts through which stipulate 6 or 12 months, the legislation was brought in to protect against this kind of greed, and it was the main reason I decided not to join the organisation that 'won' the opt out 'award'.

[LondonManc]

The opt-out itself is often never worth the paper you've printed it out on. I've had a former client contact me then put their outsourced resourcing team on the case. Said agency team have then sent an opt out form to be signed before I'm introduced to the client who introduced themselves to me.