Where do I stand?

[confused contractor]

I received email confirmation of a new contract last week including rate, length and start date.

I was asked to respond by return as this would be formal acceptance of the contract which the agent was offering on behalf of the client, which I did. I then recieved confirmation of my confirmation!

The agent came back 4 days later saying the client states the role no longer exists. The client is a multi national household name not some tin pot outfit.

Am I screwed or do I have a case for breech of contract?

[Another Dodgy Agent]

Have you checked through your contract to see if it contains any termination clauses. You may find that as you have not started on site the contract notice period (if any) may not be enforceable.

Without seeing the contract it is hard to know whether you have a case or not.

[Svalbaard]

I received email confirmation of a new contract last week including rate, length and start date.

I was asked to respond by return as this would be formal acceptance of the contract which the agent was offering on behalf of the client, which I did. I then recieved confirmation of my confirmation!

The agent came back 4 days later saying the client states the role no longer exists. The client is a multi national household name not some tin pot outfit.

Am I screwed or do I have a case for breech of contract?

Breach.

[Billy Pilgrim]

Breach.

A great contribution to the forum that one mind. Don't bother next time eh!

[Ravello]

To answer your question, you're probably screwed.

As Another DA stated, have a look at termination clauses in the contract, but in all likelihood as you never actually started the contract the chances are any notice period is unenforceable.

[BrilloPad]

Even if there is a notice period are they under any obligation to provide you with work?

Another get out I have seen is that contract not valid until agent signs with client : I usually add a clause to my acceptance to that effect.

[simes]

Unless it was all a ploy by the agent to cover his end of the bargain to ensure the contractor didn't continue looking for roles elsewhere.

And no such role was confirmed by the client.