I just need to get two references ...

[SueEllen]

References are a bit of a moot point these days anyway; a lot of places can only give factual indications about the start and end date, etc., so performance-related referees don't count for tulip.

Which is why you can give 2 agents.

[LondonManc]

Which is why you can give 2 agents.

Correct.

[Hoppy]

Why company ones obviously? Just give them the previous agents names and numbers and you are done.

I stated company ones so as not to be confused with a personal reference from a friend or acquaintance.

Agent says needs to be someone who I have reported to, will not accept another agency.

[northernladuk]

I stated company ones so as not to be confused with a personal reference from a friend or acquaintance.

Agent says needs to be someone who I have reported to, will not accept another agency.

Oh dear... And so the cycle continues.

[Eirikur]

I stated company ones so as not to be confused with a personal reference from a friend or acquaintance.

Agent says needs to be someone who I have reported to, will not accept another agency.

Haven't you read any of the 92 preceding pages in this thread?

[LondonManc]

I stated company ones so as not to be confused with a personal reference from a friend or acquaintance.

Agent says needs to be someone who I have reported to, will not accept another agency.

Agent wants sales leads. Tell them they'll be available when you get offered the role. There's incentive then for them to put you forward for the role.

[SueEllen]

I stated company ones so as not to be confused with a personal reference from a friend or acquaintance.

Agent says needs to be someone who I have reported to, will not accept another agency.

Then simply tell the agency - "Unfortunately my clients do not provide references to contractors."

Then if they challenge you, you know there is no role and they are simply fishing so end the phone call.

A agent who needs real references is happy with a mixture of:
1. Other agents to confirm dates
2. People in professional roles who can confirm they have known you for 5+ years
3. Fellow contractors who worked on the same project(s) as you who look like they had management responsibilities.

And they are happy with these once you have submitted for the role, interviewed and go it.

[meridian]

I stated company ones so as not to be confused with a personal reference from a friend or acquaintance.

Agent says needs to be someone who I have reported to, will not accept another agency.

Tell the agent that you're happy to provide references of previous clients, as long as s/he is happy for you to tell other agents the client contact in the role that you're going for.

If they agree, then there is no role.

[psychocandy]

I stated company ones so as not to be confused with a personal reference from a friend or acquaintance.

Agent says needs to be someone who I have reported to, will not accept another agency.

Must be telling the truth then. Don't disagree or you might upset the agent.....

[Relaxed]

He said it is a dealbreaker and happily hung up the phone. I've had many of those before but I do feel the position was truly genuine... This thread helps a lot actually. Thanks all.

Did anyone try to ask an agent to send a spec and company details first? If they fail to provide them then obviously there is no gig.
If they do, then disclose some two referees but then there is nothing to prevent you from contacting the company either directly or through other agent to check whether this gig really exists and whether your CV has been indeed submitted.