No notice period

[LondonManc]

I keep asking what the penalty clause is but either he doesn't know or doesn't understand the importance.

In the situation you mention I would work exactly the hours stated in the contract and put the emphasis on the client to terminate.

Pretty much this.

Put in your professional day and no more than that. If they don't like it, they can finish you.
No different to footballers angling for a move without putting in a transfer request.

[kevpuk]

Of course, there are plenty of ways to get yourself removed from the contract too......questionable personal hygiene, talking in Swaheli (other languages may be available) very loudly in all interaction, turning up very late and then leaving extremely early (might not work on set amount of hours), always wearing MR T style (and quantity) of jewellery, decidedly distasteful (henna/perm) tattoos across cheeks and knuckles, not to mention the classics like all work being essentially broken/bug-ridden/full-of-fail and walking backwards every time you get up from your chair.

Perhaps one of the above could be employed to be handed notice, rather than having to give it when you can't?

[SlipTheJab]

Of course, there are plenty of ways to get yourself removed from the contract too......questionable personal hygiene, talking in Swaheli (other languages may be available) very loudly in all interaction, turning up very late and then leaving extremely early (might not work on set amount of hours), always wearing MR T style (and quantity) of jewellery, decidedly distasteful (henna/perm) tattoos across cheeks and knuckles, not to mention the classics like all work being essentially broken/bug-ridden/full-of-fail and walking backwards every time you get up from your chair.

Perhaps one of the above could be employed to be handed notice, rather than having to give it when you can't?

I would add one... finish all sentences by exclaiming 'Shabba!' at the end, e.g 'Yes I will check that change in, Shabba!'

[Old Greg]

The personal hygiene route is also my preferred method as you can escalate it - rapidly if needs be.

Another option, assuming you want to leave after 3 months are:

1. Advise them that you are unavailable for work for the next 3 months. If they kick up a stink...

2. Offer a subbie. If they refuse...

3. Offer to terminate the contract rather than enforce your RoS.

[JozefBlofeld]

So the only way to get out that ball and chain contract is to get yourself fired? With the ensuing reputation damage to YOU. Not the agent and not the client.

I can only assume the contractor is under some dire financial constraint that would make them accept those appalling conditions. Sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear.

[LondonManc]

So the only way to get out that ball and chain contract is to get yourself fired? With the ensuing reputation damage to YOU. Not the agent and not the client.

I can only assume the contractor is under some dire financial constraint that would make them accept those appalling conditions. Sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear.

So, the only reputational damage is that you don't want to work for a company that forces you to stay with them?

[unixman]

Does it state the penalty for leaving before the end of the contract?

And again, what is the penalty for leaving? Does it state one?

I keep asking what the penalty clause is but either he doesn't know or doesn't understand the importance.

As stated in my original post, the CV hasn't even gone forward yet, so I have obviously not seen a contract. These agent has made these stipulations by email.

[psychocandy]

They put them in as they are trying it on. It is legally unenforceable.

Whys is not enforceable?

[LondonManc]

As stated in my original post, the CV hasn't even gone forward yet, so I have obviously not seen a contract. These agent has made these stipulations by email.

Key thing to ask in the interview then.

[GB9]

As stated in my original post, the CV hasn't even gone forward yet, so I have obviously not seen a contract. These agent has made these stipulations by email.

That's the thing to look out for then. Or the question to ask. If they say no notice period you need to know the impact.