Opting Out

[BoredBloke]

I am currently in a contract with an agency who are working through another agency before billin the client. 2 pimps for the price of one. I have been sent a document asking if I would to opt out. If I refuse to opt out, does this mean that I could approach the first agency with a view to taking up the second agencies commision (75/day for doing jack sh1t - the first agency sant me thier invoice by mistake!)

Or is it better to opt out

[rootsnall]

As far as your current contract goes you'll be stuck with the rate and contract length that you've signed up for !? I've been in a dual agency situation before and armed with the knowledge they were taking a ludicrous margin between them managed to claw back a good chunk of money on renewal by playing hardball and being prepared to walk. That was pre opt in/out regulations, the main advantage to being 'opted in' now is your power on renewal is now increased because the client should be able to hire you for a further 8 ( or 14 weeks ) on 'an extended period of hire' and after that you'd be free to go direct if the client still wants you. This should be stated in your contract, and if you've started the contract already and hadn't signed an opt out up front then it shouldn't be legally possible to opt out. If your contract has restrictive clauses stating you can't go direct for 12 months and with long extended periods of hire in it then this isn't legal. The contract between the agent and client also can't contain the restrictive clauses if you are opted in. I suggest you read up on it and argue for all you are worth if and when a renewal is being discussed !