Newbie - Refusing contract extension

**cojak** · 21 March 2013, 22:05

No, you will not get into trouble, the agent may shout at you down the phone but if he does it's because he's a dick. They should be speaking to you about an extension but if they haven't that's their problem, not yours.

The last time I did this I simply told the agent that I wasn't renewing within the notice period - 3 weeks and 5 days, I'd probably give them a weeks notice in this instance.

They could refuse to pay your last invoice, but I would just start dunning against them.

You just need to be professional with the client and provide a good, clean handover.

Good luck.

**Andy Hallett** · 21 March 2013, 22:47

Newbie - Refusing contract extension

You have no obligation to extend the contract based on the information you have provided. I would be amazed if the agency refused to pay your last invoice because you simply didn't take the extension, they would have no right to do so.

One thing I would say, is that if you like the assignment and would have extended, get to the highest person you can in the agency and share your experience. I reckon you might get a better service when they realise there is revenue going to be lost.

**mos** · 21 March 2013, 23:11

Originally posted by Andy Hallett View Post

You have no obligation to extend the contract based on the information you have provided. I would be amazed if the agency refused to pay your last invoice because you simply didn't take the extension, they would have no right to do so.

One thing I would say, is that if you like the assignment and would have extended, get to the highest person you can in the agency and share your experience. I reckon you might get a better service when they realise there is revenue going to be lost.

+1

**LondonTube** · 22 March 2013, 08:01

Thank you!!

The problem with the agency is that I am fearing they might have some cashflow issues. My umbrella company had to threat them with legal consequences for them to pay, and despite of several warnings, until their lawyers initiated the legal procedure, the Agency did not pay.

Even when my umbrella was trying to reach their Financial Director, he was always unreachable, or saying he would call (and he never did) or not picking up the phone... so it seems that the problem is bigger than simply the recruiter I am working with not doing his job properly.

Now I am really suspicious... I remember a lot of minor problems that showed up at the beginning of the contract because the recruiters had not done things properly and, to be honest (and probably very naif) I thought that anybody can make mistakes. Now I think that they simply were trying to get a new contract signed as soon as possible in order to get money to pay some other contracts they have been unpaying as well or something similar. So even if I reach somebody higher in the Agency, I am fearing they will just say whathever sounds well but it will be, of course, a lie.

About my last invoice, my umbrella company, which has proven to be very reliable, told me that they would be getting them paid, so I am not very worried about that. It would be in the next extension (my umbrella already gave me notice that they are not ever working again with this agency) when I would be exposed to the recruiters.

Again, thank you very much for your answers

**psychocandy** · 22 March 2013, 09:35

Keep the client happy like you're doing. Its not their fault and you might want to go back there one day.

As for the agent, I'd be tempted to not say anything to them at all, especially since they've not even chased the extension. Just don't turn up on the monday.

When they phone, tell them you thought it was all finished, and you;re working somewhere else now. Will be funny.

**northernladuk** · 22 March 2013, 10:27

It can be very frustrating when an agent doesn't do a very good job but is it honestly enough to give up a gig? I wish I could be so picky that I could do this

Personally in your situation I would raise it with the client, after all he is paying the agent for a service so he will be very interested to hear that the service is so poor he is losing his contract. If you can get the client onside he may ditch the agent for another, or take you direct. Happy days.

I would certainly be investigating every option available before bailing out of a gig just because of an agent IMO.

EDIT : Didn't read the OP's second post. Forget all the above and leave..now.

**SimonMac** · 22 March 2013, 10:37

Originally posted by LondonTube View Post

Thank you!!

The problem with the agency is that I am fearing they might have some cashflow issues.

<stopped reading after this>

Hang on, to save a months invoice you are willing to place 6 months worth of invoices in jeopardy with an agent you thing have cash flow problems?!

**northernladuk** · 22 March 2013, 10:48

Originally posted by SimonMac View Post

Hang on, to save a months invoice you are willing to place 6 months worth of invoices in jeopardy with an agent you thing have cash flow problems?!

LOL +1 to that. Funny how with so many posts nowadays, a couple of pertinent points come out when we start digging.

Forget my post and get the **** out of that one fast.

**northernladuk** · 22 March 2013, 10:49

Originally posted by psychocandy View Post

Keep the client happy like you're doing. Its not their fault and you might want to go back there one day.

As for the agent, I'd be tempted to not say anything to them at all, especially since they've not even chased the extension. Just don't turn up on the monday.

When they phone, tell them you thought it was all finished, and you;re working somewhere else now. Will be funny.

That's right, fight unprofessionalism with unprofessionalism. That's the way to go everytime

Newbie - Refusing contract extension