What do you think????

[RichardCranium]

Name and shame. We need to get the names of the agencies that do this publicised in contracting circles so we all can avoid them like the plague.

Therein lies a problem.

If Scumbag Gitco Recruitment get a bad press on here, then advertise a role, and we on CUK don't go for it, what will happen? Some innocent numpty will get it anyway.

So, knowing there is no CUK competition, myself and others will think "Aha! I'm in with a better chance as there is less competition." So we all apply anyway.

And I am sat on the bench wondering about the January rent. If I see a role advertised by Scumbag Gitco Recruitment in my preferred niche market within commutable distance from home paying £500 a day, what do you think I'll do?


It is very helpful to be warned of the tricks agencies play and which ones are the worst offenders, That way we can develop counter-strategies.

But I don't think us rate whores can live without the pimps and so cannot afford to avoid the bad ones. (Especially since there are so few good ones.)

[Ruse]

Therein lies a problem.

If Scumbag Gitco Recruitment get a bad press on here, then advertise a role, and we on CUK don't go for it, what will happen? Some innocent numpty will get it anyway.

So, knowing there is no CUK competition, myself and others will think "Aha! I'm in with a better chance as there is less competition." So we all apply anyway.

And I am sat on the bench wondering about the January rent. If I see a role advertised by Scumbag Gitco Recruitment in my preferred niche market within commutable distance from home paying £500 a day, what do you think I'll do?


It is very helpful to be warned of the tricks agencies play and which ones are the worst offenders, That way we can develop counter-strategies.

But I don't think us rate whores can live without the pimps and so cannot afford to avoid the bad ones. (Especially since there are so few good ones.)

Totally understand where you are coming from on this but don't agree.

How many of the scumbag agencies do you think have sole agency agreements with their clients ? The answer is none otw they wouldn't need to behave the way they do. When I am contacted by agencies who are on a PSL or have sole rights they rarely behave like this and never ask for references and all that kind of crap.

I have my own black list. If a job comes up with one of those agencies and I have the right skills I just wait until it appears with someone who isn't on my black list. If I get the role my black listed agency loses out on commission and hence will suffer for their previous beahaviour.

There are IMO quite a few good agencies out there, tend to be small and specialist. These guys always call me back and always endeavour to get me feedback.

[SorenLorensen]

Totally understand where you are coming from on this but don't agree.

How many of the scumbag agencies do you think have sole agency agreements with their clients ? The answer is none otw they wouldn't need to behave the way they do. When I am contacted by agencies who are on a PSL or have sole rights they rarely behave like this and never ask for references and all that kind of crap.

I have my own black list. If a job comes up with one of those agencies and I have the right skills I just wait until it appears with someone who isn't on my black list. If I get the role my black listed agency loses out on commission and hence will suffer for their previous beahaviour.

There are IMO quite a few good agencies out there, tend to be small and specialist. These guys always call me back and always endeavour to get me feedback.

I'd agree with most of this.

There are lots of giveaways when dealing with agents though. The big one should be the job spec...if the agent can't provide one, then I'm not willing to be put forward. Same with not telling who the client is. Why the hell do agencies not give this sort of information out, is it just paranoia??

The other big giveaway that there is no role is the cockney accent...you're as well hanging up right there and then...