cutting out one of the middlemen....

[Hex]

Ask them if a rate increase is possible.

Probably better to tell them that you want a rate increase otherwise you won't be renewing. I know if someone asked me "if a rate increase is possible" and I was an agent I would just say "no".

[pmeswani]

Probably better to tell them that you want a rate increase otherwise you won't be renewing. I know if someone asked me "if a rate increase is possible" and I was an agent I would just say "no".

That may be the case in the majority of cases. I asked the agency for a rate increase a few weeks back when my renewal discussion kicked off, got told no. Then told him last week (or the week before) that I had an interview somewhere else for the same rate for a bit longer, ended up with a small raise. Quite insignificant... have renewed my contract, but am still on the lookout. (And yes, I did have another interivew... there's a thread about that somewhere else!).

[Another Dodgy Agent]

that's exactly what's happened.

my skillset is extremely specialised, which I suppose puts me in a good position - the client has been trying to find another 'me' for quite some time to no avail.

there is a clause in the contract stating that I cannot work for the same client within six months of the contract ending, but with a 'save for' clause which mentions working for another agent(?) with whom I was registered at the start of the contract. it's not straightforward.

I just don't want to annoy off the client - they've been extremely good to me - but I think if I don't nip this in the bud now, I'll keep losing upwards of 2k a month....

Given your niche skillset and the fact that you are aware that your line manager has been searching for another "you" without success, surely gives you a good stand point to ask for an increase. If they lose you then I should imagine whatever project you are working on would suffer as a consequence.

Regarding the 2 agencies, yes this does occur on occasion. What you will find is that they have split the "fee" 50/50 between them rather than taking 2 lots of commission. So for example if agency 1 has agreed 10% with the client then that would be halved between agency 1 and agency 2. The client may not even be aware of agency 2 (your agency) and will think they are only dealing with agency 1 (the original agency that had the role you were put forward for).

[vfr_rider]

here's an update....

I had twenty minutes of justification from the agent taking the major cut. their position is that the client has to fund any rate rise. they flatly refuse to entertain any possibility of reducing their margin to increase my daily rate - without asking for an increase from the client.

I've decided just to let it lie for now, as it turns out i'm actually taking home the top 'MRP' - which is the maximum the client is willing to pay for my role - irrespective of the cuts the agencies are taking.

it's a good job and it could run on for some time, so I've decided not to upset the applecart, for now.

agencies - don't you just love them?