References after securing contract

**Ardesco** · 15 June 2007, 14:20

If you are opted in they are legally supposed to check your references.

HTH

**Spacecadet** · 15 June 2007, 14:22

tell your client that your referees refuse to deal with agents in anyway and that the agent has requested references from you.

The client will then deny ever asking the agency for references (95% probability)

**Bluebird** · 15 June 2007, 15:02

Originally posted by carpenteri

Friends,

I know a lot has been written on agencies asking for references before meeting the client. However is it normal practise for agencies to ask for references once you have met the client and secured the contract?

I am more than happy to give these direct to the client once I start working within them if asked, but I have been asked to complete a form with my references and return them to the agent. (Which I know what will follow!)

What's your opinion?

Thanks

They're Fishing.....

**VectraMan** · 15 June 2007, 20:31

I've just had to write a reference for somebody who'd been offered a permie job. It was the agent that asked, but I made it clear he could only use me as a reference if it was for the employer only, which as it turned out it was.

I'm 99% certain that he's got the job regardless, and it's just some HR numptie trying to justify their existence by inventing procedures nobody wants. I'd bet the same HR numptiedom extends to contractors in some organisations.

**carpenteri** · 18 June 2007, 08:14

Thanks for the responses.

I've a feeling they are fishing, thanks Ardesco, I didn't know it was a legal requirement for them to check if I opted in.

**Not So Wise** · 18 June 2007, 15:39

[QUOTE=carpenteri]Thanks for the responses.

Actually it's a legal requirement for them to check even before the interview but because they abuse references so much most contractors refuse to give them at that stage.

Once you have been offered the position there generally should be no problems with supplying references direct to the client, if they HAVE to go to the agency (happens, some clients don't want to check them themselves) then just ask agent to supply in writing that they will only use the information in the references for reference checking

**carpenteri** · 19 June 2007, 06:58

Originally posted by Not So Wise

Once you have been offered the position there generally should be no problems with supplying references direct to the client, if they HAVE to go to the agency (happens, some clients don't want to check them themselves) then just ask agent to supply in writing that they will only use the information in the references for reference checking

Thanks, that's an interesting response. I can almost hear the agent sighing and saying don't bother!

Thanks again

References after securing contract