Recruiters and going direct

[mcskiver]

Hi,

I'm a bit unclear on the legality of when you can go direct, if you've been introduced by a recruiter. Was wondering if anyone here could shed light on it for me?

For instance, I've had companies in the past that I've interviewed for, and sometimes turned down work. Several of these have been arranged by recruiters. Now some of them would still like to keep in touch with me and for me to work for them when I can. At what point can I go direct?

I haven't signed anything with the recruiter, but obviously they've genuinely done the introduction for me. So is there a time limit legally, or am I just being too polite...?

[cojak]

What are the time spans? Last week or last year?

Anything over 6 months is probably ok...

But someone else may be able to give you a better answer...

[mcskiver]

Mostly less than 6 months. That's why I'm so unsure, because I know if I actually signed a contract with an agency they'd have a tie-in at 6 or 12 months, but in this case I've never signed a contract.

However, there's nothing less than a couple of months, so I think it's fair to say I wouldn't be going back to them for the same role I interviewed for?

Although of course there's also the issue of maintaining a relationship with the agency should they find out. That's why I'd basically like to do the right thing if you see what I mean.

[MPwannadecentincome]

well if you want to be polite 'cos its been less than a couple of months, agree a rate with the company direct but tell them they have to pay the agency a fixed markup (say 5%) then let the agency take it or leave it.