A question for DodgyAgent (and anyone else)

[FSM with Cheddar]

I'm in discussion with clientCo about going direct and cutting out the agent.

I know all the legal stuff, and don't want to burn bridges with the agent.

So planning to offer 3 months worth of the X% they are taking upfront to release me from the handcuffs.

The contract is going from full time, down to 3 days a week (or less), so it won't be worth loads to the agency anyway.

Anyone got experience of doing this, or know how the agency will react?

[DaveB]

What does your contract say?

It will certainly have a clause in there detailing exactly what they expect from you if you do this.

[Hex]

I don't think it would be anything written in the contract. It's more what they might accept after negotiation in order to release you from the terms of the contract.

I know one person who did a similar thing, but his was for just a few days a month. The agency let him do those days direct for nothing on the basis that if he started working 5 days a week again he would do it through them. They also got an extra 3 months fees from him as he then extended to go 5 days a week for an extra 3 months.

It's all down to the agency and how hard they want to play it. Offer them 1 months fees to release you and see what they come back with.

[FSM with Cheddar]

Contract says 6 months, but I've read up on the restriction of trade laws, so the best they would get in court would be 3 - 4 months. Contract specifies I need to get written permission if going direct within the 6 month period.

Hex, Interesting idea thanks.

[DodgyAgent]

I'm in discussion with clientCo about going direct and cutting out the agent.

I know all the legal stuff, and don't want to burn bridges with the agent.

So planning to offer 3 months worth of the X% they are taking upfront to release me from the handcuffs.

The contract is going from full time, down to 3 days a week (or less), so it won't be worth loads to the agency anyway.

Anyone got experience of doing this, or know how the agency will react?

I dont think that they will sue you, it would not be worth your while, so your gesture is very reasonable. Offer to chuck in some leads in the future and you'll be fine.

[FSM with Cheddar]

I dont think that they will sue you, it would not be worth your while, so your gesture is very reasonable. Offer to chuck in some leads in the future and you'll be fine.

Thanks DA

[TheFaQQer]

They might have more of an argument with the client than with you - what does their contract with the client say?

[FSM with Cheddar]

They might have more of an argument with the client than with you - what does their contract with the client say?

Just the same clause.

I'll update the board next week on how it went.