Successful interview but agency not on PSL

[anorak]

My tale of woe...

Applied for a contract role through Agency 'A'. Had a successful 1st interview, but at the 2nd interview was told by the client that if it went ahead, I couldn't work through Agency 'A' as they weren't a preferred supplier, but would have to work through Agency 'B'. (i.e. Agency 'A' and Agency 'B' would have to come to some kind of commercial agreement).

Anyway, I know that the 2nd interview was successful, but have heard nothing from Agency 'A' after several days. I also strongly suspect that the two agencies have fallen out, and can't agree terms (although they have not admitted it). So I'm stuffed and stuck in the middle!

I verbally agreed that Agency 'A' could forward my details to the client, as I was totally unaware of any PSL issue. If I now approach Agency 'B', am I legally liable in any way, or is this just an issue between Agency 'A' and the client. How do I back out of being represented by Agency 'A'?

All suggestions welcome...

P.S. I have no idea why the client interviewed me knowing that I had been forwarded by an agency that was not an approved supplier.

[BolshieBastard]

My tale of woe...

Applied for a contract role through Agency 'A'. Had a successful 1st interview, but at the 2nd interview was told by the client that if it went ahead, I couldn't work through Agency 'A' as they weren't a preferred supplier, but would have to work through Agency 'B'. (i.e. Agency 'A' and Agency 'B' would have to come to some kind of commercial agreement).

Anyway, I know that the 2nd interview was successful, but have heard nothing from Agency 'A' after several days. I also strongly suspect that the two agencies have fallen out, and can't agree terms (although they have not admitted it). So I'm stuffed and stuck in the middle!

I verbally agreed that Agency 'A' could forward my details to the client, as I was totally unaware of any PSL issue. If I now approach Agency 'B', am I legally liable in any way, or is this just an issue between Agency 'A' and the client. How do I back out of being represented by Agency 'A'?

All suggestions welcome...

P.S. I have no idea why the client interviewed me knowing that I had been forwarded by an agency that was not an approved supplier.

How do you know the 2nd interview was successful enough to get you the role? If you're certain it was, contact agent B to ask what's going on.

[Tarquin Farquhar]

I verbally agreed that Agency 'A' could forward my details to the client, as I was totally unaware of any PSL issue. If I now approach Agency 'B', am I legally liable in any way, or is this just an issue between Agency 'A' and the client. How do I back out of being represented by Agency 'A'?

IMHO you sort of agreed to sell your services to Agenc A, but if they are not now in a position to buy them then you are quite free to sell them to Agency B without further ado.

You have done your best, it is Agency A and not you who is unable to keep the agreement.

[JustMe]

F... agency A

It is your money. If Agency A found someone who is cheaper, you were still on the bench. It is not your fault that A is not on the PSL.

[gingerjedi]

How does an agent get to supply potential candidates when they're not on the PSL? I am a little ignorant to how it works but I always presumed the client would approach the agent to find candidates so why would an agent thats not on the list be involved?

I recently applied for a role that was advertised by 4 agents which is bloody annoying as I had no idea which would be preferred by the client, am I to presume that I may have picked an agent that wasn't preferred and therefore scuppered my own chances? Seriously pi55ed off if thats the case.

[anorak]

How does an agent get to supply potential candidates when they're not on the PSL?

I wish I knew!

[SuperZ]

How does an agent get to supply potential candidates when they're not on the PSL?

Exactly. Tell client to get their f'ing act together the idiots, I know I would. But of time wasting fools.

[DodgyAgent]

My tale of woe...

Applied for a contract role through Agency 'A'. Had a successful 1st interview, but at the 2nd interview was told by the client that if it went ahead, I couldn't work through Agency 'A' as they weren't a preferred supplier, but would have to work through Agency 'B'. (i.e. Agency 'A' and Agency 'B' would have to come to some kind of commercial agreement).

Anyway, I know that the 2nd interview was successful, but have heard nothing from Agency 'A' after several days. I also strongly suspect that the two agencies have fallen out, and can't agree terms (although they have not admitted it). So I'm stuffed and stuck in the middle!

I verbally agreed that Agency 'A' could forward my details to the client, as I was totally unaware of any PSL issue. If I now approach Agency 'B', am I legally liable in any way, or is this just an issue between Agency 'A' and the client. How do I back out of being represented by Agency 'A'?

All suggestions welcome...

P.S. I have no idea why the client interviewed me knowing that I had been forwarded by an agency that was not an approved supplier.

I know this doesnt help but it is a case of the process being more important than the needs of the business..

You just have to be ruthless and approach one of the PSL agencies. Agency A will have no hold over you, their beef will be with the client-and they are not going to sue them (despite what they may say). You should also show gratitude to Agency "A" as they will take a big hit on this. Having said that they know the score and were aware of the risk they were taking.