Agency tie in - what's the norm?

[Hiram King Of Tyre]

I've been offered a contract (after 7 months on the bench). The contract has a 12 month tie in to the agency with regard to the client for 12 months. I know this type of clause is normal but is 12 months? It sounds excessive to me.

Any thoughts?

[The Wikir Man]

How long is the contract for?

I have had agencies try 12 months before, but has usually compromised at 6 months. My ideal is that it is no longer than the period of the contract, so if they offer a 3 month initial contract, then it's three months.

That said, I usually remain opted into the agency regulations, so it's a moot point.

[Hiram King Of Tyre]

It's a 3 month contract. So 3 months by your rule which does sound fair.

The 'client' is a small consultancy company and not actually the blue chip where I'll be working.

I guess the other way round it is to close the Ltd down and open another....

[The Agents View]

this is just to say that you'll not return to work for that client through someone else for a period of 6, 12, 18 months, whatever. Its more enforceable on the client side than the candidate and is there to stop people finishing their initial contract, and then being taken on directly the next day.

You are committed to the agency for the length of your contract regardless, unless the agency does a deal with the client for a direct engagement (which is purposely VERY expensive), you have to go through the agency for renewals - that's to say, you can't get to your 3 month renewal and then go direct, or through another agency unless a deal is struck - and that's what the above clause is there to double protect.

[Hiram King Of Tyre]

Yes I accept that but I don't think it's reasonable to do a 3 month contract and then be totally tied in to the same agency should I find another role in the same company via a different agenct 51 weeks after finishing my 3 month contract.

As wikir says, the same length as the contract would seem reasonable.

[Epiphone]

If you're on the bones of your arse take the contract, terms and all.

If your war chest is full then negotiate.

[Hiram King Of Tyre]

I'm almost on Lidl's beans but they are looking at it for me