Agencies bluff and bluster ?

[Smurficus]

If your ethics extend as far as what the law allows then you have no idea of how to conduct yourself professionally. If the client does indeed have a long memory (and a lot of them do) then you may suffer the consequences of your behaviour accordingly. By going back on your word you are sending a message that affects contractors in general.

Ever thought of applying for a job with computer people?

Ethics and professionalism from an agent?

Why is it that ClientCo can act like a business but we have to be "professional"? A better offer came along and no contract was in place... perhaps the client should look to the agent for not sorting the paperwork out.

[EternalOptimist]

Surely the object of all this is to maximise your companies profits. The second objective is to keep your company extant, and the main contsraint is to maintain a high standard of integrity (ie dont fiddle taxes or break the law)

Take all the emotion and sentiment out of the discussion, bearing in mind the above, make a decision. You will always find the decision makes itself, it becomes a no-brainer.

[Lewis]

Why is it that ClientCo can act like a business but we have to be "professional"?

And along comes a perfect example ... http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...extension.html

[wamweri]

I'm in the same boat.

Difference is that after verbally accepting an extension, I went and signed a new contract with a different agency. ClientCo has come back to me and offered more money than the new contract I've just signed.

So (looking out for #1), I need to go to the agency and tell them that even though I signed their contract, I won't be starting. I don't know where that leaves me?!

Must I work for them because I signed the contract?

[donaldf]

If your ethics extend as far as what the law allows then you have no idea of how to conduct yourself professionally. If the client does indeed have a long memory (and a lot of them do) then you may suffer the consequences of your behaviour accordingly. By going back on your word you are sending a message that affects contractors in general.

Ever thought of applying for a job with computer people?

Dont listen to this f***g piece of tulip. Another pathetic agent scrambling to protect his rapidly diminishing business, whilst claiming to be representing clientco's interests. Look after #1. It's very simple. I have been in the same situation as yourself, and I have looked after #1 every time, and hung up on the irritating squealings of panicky agents trying to protect their income. Guess what? They have almost always called back a couple of months later with "new opportunities".

Please dont waste a second on the idle threats of badly educated wide boys.

[Another Dodgy Agent]

Dont listen to this f***g piece of tulip. Another pathetic agent scrambling to protect his rapidly diminishing business, whilst claiming to be representing clientco's interests. Look after #1. It's very simple. I have been in the same situation as yourself, and I have looked after #1 every time, and hung up on the irritating squealings of panicky agents trying to protect their income. Guess what? They have almost always called back a couple of months later with "new opportunities".

Please dont waste a second on the idle threats of badly educated wide boys.

I think you will find DA does not fall under the category of "badly educated wide boys" nor for that matter do I.

The OP signed the contract, therefore as stipulated in the contract he/she would need to work the notice outlined in the schedule of the contract. Simple contract law, but hey you being all super profesional etc. would know that.

[Cameron Wallace]

your contract has expired so you can do as you please. Although there may be a clause in the contract stipulating that if you don't inform them of your departure then the contract will continue to roll with the same conditions. Just read through your contract to ensure this isn't the case. If not, then walk yourself out that door.
Although you might want to ensure that your agency will be paying your last invoice before you do it.

[andyc2000]

A verbal contract is only legally binding if the intention is that will be the only contract agreed. I.E. If you say yep I agree to that and their intention is to send you the paperwork the contract is only binding when you sign. Oh and as far as I know if you breach your notice period all they can do in court is prevent you from working for the new company for the period of your notice and they'll have to pay you anyway. A company I worked for who agreed to a months notice when I left and then realised I was on 3 months actually approached their lawyers about this and were told the above so didn't bother to pursue the matter (was permie in that case though).