Should I bypass the agent???

[DS23]

yes. do it and get the answers you need

[pmeswani]

Ring him anyway dont assume anything. Or get me to do it

If you want something to do DA, find me a job!

[memyselfandi]

The plot thickens.

I was told last week by "Agent A" who originally represented me for the role that I was too expensive given my experience, and so thought nothing of it, and just put this down to another application failure.

"Agent B" called me this morning and I told him that I had already been represented by "Agent A" (didn't give the name, he guessed).

He then said that he had previously had issues with "Agent A" poaching candidates from him in the past. He also told me that "Agent A" did not have a good relationship with the client (apparently - I know I should take all of this with a pinch of salt because agents are in fact sales people underneath). He then asked me if he could call the client and ask what had been happening because he could not understand why they were refusing me based on the fact that the job had been advertised at £100 p/d more than I was willing to go down to.

So, he has spoken to the client, who are also just as confused about this.

He has now asked me to send him an email stating that I am unhappy with "Agent A", and am happy for "Agent B" to now represent me.

I am also not too sure about the legal ramifications of moving from one agent to another. Could I or my limited company get caught up in this, or is it just the agents who could potentially sew each other. (Does this ever happen).

What would you do. Obviously, I don't want to ruin my reputation with agencies. I know you are all probably going to say go to the client. Maybe I should if I am willing to go to another agent. And I also have nothing to lose. I am too confused now. Please help?????

[cojak]

As far as I'm concerned, the agreement with Agent A ended when he called you to say that someone else had taken you on and that you were too expensive. End of that application as far as you were concerned.

I'd go with agent B and sod A - he muffed it...

[TheFaQQer]

As far as I'm concerned, the agreement with Agent A ended when he called you to say that someone else had taken you on and that you were too expensive. End of that application as far as you were concerned.

I'd go with agent B and sod A - he muffed it...

WSS.

Might be worth a quick call to the PCG legal helpline (or similar) and see what they advise.

I'd go with whoever is going to get me in the door, TBH.

[lje]

As long as you haven't agreed to anything legal with the first agent then you should be able to go with the second. Even if you did send an email asking them to represent you (say) the fact that they've come back and told you that it's not happening is the end of that relationship. I have had this before and it hasn't caused a long term issue.

[rootsnall]

I'm still confused why you haven't spoken to the client yourself, why do you need agent B ? Get the story straight yourself via the client.

[memyselfandi]

I have just sent an email directly to the client asking for clarification.

Just awaiting the response now.

[MarillionFan]

I have just sent an email directly to the client asking for clarification.

Just awaiting the response now.

Why not try and phone the client? If you like lets introduce DA as Agent No 3. If you ask him to represent you, he can do the calling for you and get you to reduce your rate another £50.

Everyones a winner.

[ASB]

1) What if anything did you agree with Agent A about them putting you forward (in terms of any restrictions). I assume nothing - and even if you did it is possibly doubtful it would stand up.

2) What are the terms of business between Client and Agent A in terms of client or anybody else introducing you. It is more likely that there may be an issue in here. If there is you could attempt to argue it is an illegal restraint on you and you may well have a decent case. However the role would be long gone by that point.

I would imagine Agent B will take any risk and ignore it anyway - since any sanction is likely to fall on the client.

But, why involve agent B at all. If you can manage the cashflow, mange payment terms get client to stick to them and all the usual crud you have to deal with why give agent B their margin?