Issue with first contract

[Eventar]

Hi,

So I received a contract offer through an agency after interviewing with the client a couple of weeks ago. Contract was reviewed, some minor amendments suggested, one of which had to go back to the client. I last checked the status of the amendments with the agent on 29/10/15, and he said it is still with the client's legal department.

In parallel to all this, I have been filling out paperwork for the agency, my previous employers have received reference checks, and I've signed a client NDA on 2/11/15. I have also received a detailed response to questions regarding what skills/technologies to prep for from the client through the agent (copied and pasted).

I'm not due to start for another 2 weeks, but I'm concerned I have not received the amended contract for me to sign yet and all of a sudden (past 48 hours) I'm not able to get through to anyone by phone at the agency.

I have a contact name and email address from the client who is responsible for hiring non-permanent staff, and met on the day of the interview, who I'm considering contacting to get a better idea of what the situation is and for some reassurance.

In situation I've described, would you say it would be acceptable to contact the client directly?

Thanks

[northernladuk]

In situation I've described, would you say it would be acceptable to contact the client directly?

Thanks

Not at all. The contract is between you and the agency. Client has absolutely nothing to do with it. Speaking to the client to sort out agency disputes before you've even stepped foot in the door won't end well at all.

Send the agent a couple more mails stating that without a signed contract you won't be starting on the date agreed. The agent loses commission with you not working so they should get on the case pretty smart.

If you can't get hold of them try other numbers in the office, mail other agents in the same office and try find out the managers name and ring them. Linkedin can be pretty useful here. It's impossible for an agent to disappear of the map, just some people give up too early.

[MrMarkyMark]

I last checked the status of the amendments with the agent on 29/10/15, and he said it is still with the client's legal department.

Not that unusual for them to go quiet, if they don't have any additional information for you.
I have had this happen a number of times, they are just trying to prioritise the things they have answers to and do need doing.

Oops, Edit,+3 do not contact client.

[BrilloPad]

Do not contact client. Keep interviewing!

[northernladuk]

Do not contact client. Keep interviewing!

+1 to this as well. Never stop looking until you are sat at a desk on site at the client...

<TF Mode on> until you have submitted your last invoice and got paid </TF mode off>

[VillageContractor]

My contract took 3-4 days to come back to me. Some places can be slow.

I wouldn't call the client, as said before your contract is with the agency.

[VillageContractor]

Oh yeah and keep interviewing

[Contreras]

Fwiw, I would contact the client if the proposed start was imminent (2 weeks isn't) and still no action from the agency.

The courtesy call/email would have the barest of details, e.g. "still waiting on agency so unfortunately won't be able to start on the agreed date". This may or may not be news to the client.

[NotAllThere]

I'm with Contreras on this. Properly done, approaching the client can work wonders. While the contract is between you and the agency, the client has an interest in it, and you've already got a relationship with them (having been through interview and offered the position). As a hiring manager, if I received such a contact from a contractor I wanted on my team, I'd be very happy to chase things up with the agency.

The only reason for such coyness is if you're a commodity and can be easily replaced with someone else. What contractors here seem to forget is that some clients put a lot of effort into finding the right contractor, and are loath to have to go through the process again.

[MrMarkyMark]

Fwiw, I would contact the client if the proposed start was imminent (2 weeks isn't) and still no action from the agency.

The courtesy call/email would have the barest of details, e.g. "still waiting on agency so unfortunately won't be able to start on the agreed date". This may or may not be news to the client.

+1 if the start was imminent.

The only reason for such coyness is if you're a commodity and can be easily replaced with someone else. What contractors here seem to forget is that some clients put a lot of effort into finding the right contractor, and are loath to have to go through the process again.

This is so true if you are providing a true specialist skill.
I have known people with time on their side, interview 30+ people prior to me getting the role
One was only for 3 months duration as well!

People will also wait for certain individuals to become available, but, again, this is when people are selling a true specialist skill.