Rate lowered halfway through contract

[Ardesco]

They can't just change the contract when they feel like it (sort of defeats the object of a contract). What they can do is give you notice on your current contract and offer you a new one. Check out what notice period they have to give you in the contract to see what that is.

If they give you notice go and tell the client that they have given you notice and ask if there are problems if you fancy putting the cat among the pigeons but expect to be finding something new if you do that.

[TheFaQQer]

They can't just change the contract when they feel like it (sort of defeats the object of a contract). What they can do is give you notice on your current contract and offer you a new one. Check out what notice period they have to give you in the contract to see what that is.

If they give you notice go and tell the client that they have given you notice and ask if there are problems if you fancy putting the cat among the pigeons but expect to be finding something new if you do that.

WHS - they need to terminate the current contract and offer a new one at the new rate, which you may or may not choose to accept.

If you're not happy with the rate, then what's the point of doing it? If it's purely financial, then I would offer to cut back on the time worked rather than the rate (I'd always like to have a 4 day week, but most of my clients don't like that idea), and speak to the client about it. Get your side of the story in first, though, so the agent doesn't have the chance to go running to the client and tell them that you are a troublemaker...

[kutsu]

Spoke to client last week, they said the rate hadnt changed which is what I had suspected, spoke to agent who said they are still waiting for reply from client, so went back to client who contacted agent, client not happy with agent, agent not happy with me bt its thier fault for trying to pull a fast one, wont use them again once this contract is up!
Just goes to show it pays to get both sides of the story

[Beefy198]

Been caught lying...... they're not happy but who cares

Name and shame.... but probably best to wait until after your contract

[TykeMerc]

Spoke to client last week, they said the rate hadnt changed which is what I had suspected, spoke to agent who said they are still waiting for reply from client, so went back to client who contacted agent, client not happy with agent, agent not happy with me bt its thier fault for trying to pull a fast one, wont use them again once this contract is up!
Just goes to show it pays to get both sides of the story

If you've caught the agency out in a lie I would get it documented and then use that as leverage to get a rate increase to REDUCE their margin, ideally to zero.

Since the client has backed you up the other option is to use it to get away from the agent and get the contract via another agency on the clients PSL or go direct the agency that lied can't very well take you to court as they're proven liars.

Whatever happens write a letter to the board members of the Agency with a copy to the individual agent that tried it on and clearly accuse them of lying and sharp practice, state that you hold them in breach of contract as they've proven themselves to be untrustworthy.

[Liability]

If you've caught the agency out in a lie I would get it documented and then use that as leverage to get a rate increase to REDUCE their margin, ideally to zero.

Since the client has backed you up the other option is to use it to get away from the agent and get the contract via another agency on the clients PSL or go direct the agency that lied can't very well take you to court as they're proven liars.

Whatever happens write a letter to the board members of the Agency with a copy to the individual agent that tried it on and clearly accuse them of lying and sharp practice, state that you hold them in breach of contract as they've proven themselves to be untrustworthy.

Good advice - I agree this is just sheer craziness! [not like it hasnt happened before] but the fact that you have evidence AND your end clinet probably onside is enough for you to make the most of it.

Good on you for find out and catching the bastards

[tim123]

Spoke to client last week, they said the rate hadnt changed which is what I had suspected, spoke to agent who said they are still waiting for reply from client, so went back to client who contacted agent, client not happy with agent, agent not happy with me bt its thier fault for trying to pull a fast one, wont use them again once this contract is up!
Just goes to show it pays to get both sides of the story

And what does the agent think would have happened if you had said:

"no I won't take the discount, I'd rather leave" and he said "OK" (which is presumably what he would have little option but to say).

The client would then come to you and ask "Why are you leaving?".

Do these numpties really think that clients don't talk to the consultants they use?

tim

[pmeswani]

Do these numpties really think that clients don't talk to the consultants they use?

tim

Some of them do. Some of them believe that contractors don't talk to their client about the rates as well.

[PAH]

Some of them believe that contractors don't talk to their client about the rates as well.

I haven't even had to dig around this time to find out what the client is getting charged, so I can see if the agent is taking a bigger cut than I'd like, and squeeze them at renewal.

The PM (who happens to be a tasty MILF) has mentioned on more than one occasion in meetings I've had a one to one with her: "so if it's going to take x days for you to do the work, then that's xxxx pounds from the budget, ok no problem".

Just hope I get a renewal so I can use this knowledge to my advantage!

[BrilloPad]

I haven't even had to dig around this time to find out what the client is getting charged, so I can see if the agent is taking a bigger cut than I'd like, and squeeze them at renewal.

The PM (who happens to be a tasty MILF) has mentioned on more than one occasion in meetings I've had a one to one with her: "so if it's going to take x days for you to do the work, then that's xxxx pounds from the budget, ok no problem".

Just hope I get a renewal so I can use this knowledge to my advantage!

When is contract up?