Can one consultancy hire a contractor from another consultancy for the same endclient

[maxima]

I know that most of you will tell to read contract but I need a general opinion and may be examples from a real experience..

If a consultancy which works for a big end-client 'buys' a contractor which works for same end-client but through another consultancy.

Can be it challenged in the court if the contract isnt too specific about the matter.

I work for a large IB through a consultancy as a contractor (effectively being resold by a consultancy and an agent). I am not to happy with the situation and I just am waiting till my contract will naturally end.

However I like the place I work but can approach them myself.

I am curious - if another consultancy (which currently is working with me side by side) will offer me a contract for the same IB... What legal implications can arouse?

[Wanderer]

I am curious - if another consultancy (which currently is working with me side by side) will offer me a contract for the same IB... What legal implications can arouse?

Yes, it does depend on what is in your contract. There probably some type of restriction clause on you providing your services to the client other than through the agency.

If you didn't opt-out of the agency regulations then there is a limit on this restriction. You may also be able to claim "restraint of trade" if the restriction is onerous (eg, 1 year).

But really it depends on the client. Sometimes the client will take you on through a different agency/consultancy or even direct and tell the agency to go to hell. Other times, they may pay off the agency to release you from the contract. Sometimes the client will shy away from a legal battle because they don't want to get lawyers involved.