• Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
  • Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!

Changing an agent when there is no contract in place

Collapse
X
  •  
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Changing an agent when there is no contract in place

    I have been working for a little over a year for a company through my agent. I am now in the process of negotiating my new day rate while being moved inside IR35. The problem is that my agent is a pain and wants me to accept the same day ray while I know his commission is 40%. The thing is I've never had a contract with him, it was all a bit rushed so there is no signature on any agreement.

    The question is can I change my agent without the company or me being sued or getting into troubles?

    Thanks for your help
    Joes

    #2
    Tell him (and mean it)m that you'll walk if he doesn't give you what you want. If he fails, find another job. That's your only viable route.
    Down with racism. Long live miscegenation!

    Comment


      #3
      Well... I want to walk away. It's no longer about the day rate, I genuinely want to go via another agent and I have a guaranteed job in the same position. So I thought since I don't have a contract I can leave him.

      cheers

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by Joes View Post
        I have been working for a little over a year for a company through my agent. I am now in the process of negotiating my new day rate while being moved inside IR35. The problem is that my agent is a pain and wants me to accept the same day ray while I know his commission is 40%. The thing is I've never had a contract with him, it was all a bit rushed so there is no signature on any agreement.

        The question is can I change my agent without the company or me being sued or getting into troubles?

        Thanks for your help
        Joes
        What do you mean you've never had a contract with him?
        Who do you have a contract with? A different agency, or direct?

        And how does he get 40%? If it's from the client then it's none of your business anyway.
        See You Next Tuesday

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by Joes View Post
          I have been working for a little over a year for a company through my agent. I am now in the process of negotiating my new day rate while being moved inside IR35.
          Leaving aside your main question, "moving inside" is dangerous: the implication is that your role was actually inside IR35 all along, and therefore that you miscategorised it (when you were responsible for the determination), so you might find HMRC coming after you for back taxes.

          Given your other concerns about the agent, this seems like a good time to jump ship. Find a new contract (different client), either inside or outside IR35, and you don't have to worry about getting into trouble.

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by Lance View Post

            What do you mean you've never had a contract with him?
            Who do you have a contract with? A different agency, or direct?

            And how does he get 40%? If it's from the client then it's none of your business anyway.
            I know that it sounds weird but I've never signed a contract with him or the company. No paperwork. I believe he must have one with the company but I am not tight with anyone by a contract.

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by hobnob View Post

              Leaving aside your main question, "moving inside" is dangerous: the implication is that your role was actually inside IR35 all along, and therefore that you miscategorised it (when you were responsible for the determination), so you might find HMRC coming after you for back taxes.

              Given your other concerns about the agent, this seems like a good time to jump ship. Find a new contract (different client), either inside or outside IR35, and you don't have to worry about getting into trouble.
              Thanks, for your reply.

              The point is I don't want to change the job and I don't need to. I can work with a new agent whom I know but the question is if my current agent would have grounds to challenge that. Despite not having any binding contract with me.

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by Joes View Post

                I know that it sounds weird but I've never signed a contract with him or the company. No paperwork. I believe he must have one with the company but I am not tight with anyone by a contract.
                so if you use another agent, and current agent still gets paid (why wouldn't he?), who's paying the new agent?
                You really need to understand the commercial relationships before you try and get smart. They're probably quite a lot smarter,
                See You Next Tuesday

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by Lance View Post

                  so if you use another agent, and current agent still gets paid (why wouldn't he?), who's paying the new agent?
                  You really need to understand the commercial relationships before you try and get smart. They're probably quite a lot smarter,
                  How on earth the old agent would get paid? The invoices wouldn't;t go through him and there is no contract. Probably a lot smarter...lol

                  Comment


                    #10
                    There would normally be 2 contracts: one between your limited company (or umbrella) and the agency, and one between the agency and the client.

                    In this case, the first contract might not exist. However, you don't know the status of the second contract.

                    Comment

                    Working...
                    X