Agency Shenanigans?

**Murder1** · 17 March 2011, 08:04

Strange, but it sounds as though Agency A were not in a position to put you forward - in which case why did the client accept submissions from Agency A?

Anyhow (and I'm assuming here so don't take this as gospel) it sounds as though they shouldn't have put you forward to the client in which case if the client don't want you to go direct then you'll have to go with Agency B.

**Scrag Meister** · 17 March 2011, 08:16

AS M1 said, I'm not sure either why the client accepted a CV from a non-PSL supplier.

Not sure what the contractual situation is if you went with Agency B.

What have you signed with Agency A?

Personally I think I would blow off A and go with B.

Did A present to the client via B? i.e Client thought the CV from was from B?

**Flubster** · 17 March 2011, 08:30

I think the client was a bit naive. they realised B weren't on the PSL as the email I got back also said that B had to go via A.

I haven't signed anything with anyone yet as A and B are in this dispute. A have a case as they did 'find' me and introduce me to the client (then got the verbal offer). I suppose what I'm really asking is, if I just go with B, can A cause B problems big enough for B to just drop me?

**TheFaQQer** · 17 March 2011, 09:02

Originally posted by Flubster View Post

if I just go with B, can A cause B problems big enough for B to just drop me?

Yes.

**krytonsheep** · 17 March 2011, 09:07

Sounds messed up. I would try and push Agency A for a start date, and maybe mention you've got interviews else where this week to speed the process up. I'm guessing they won't get added to the PSL, but should get a finders fee from agency B.

**Flubster** · 17 March 2011, 09:16

Originally posted by krytonsheep View Post

Sounds messed up. I would try and push Agency A for a start date, and maybe mention you've got interviews else where this week to speed the process up. I'm guessing they won't get added to the PSL, but should get a finders fee from agency B.

The end-client has already agreed a start date (end-April) and I'm going through some security checks now (as required by the end-client). I have got an extension offer already from current client which has been mentioned to both A and B, so it's in their interest to sort their playground scrap out. I do have other interviews for next week so time is on my side. However, this new role is perfect for me in many ways so is my first preference and as soon as this issue is resolved, I can inform current client and other agencies that I'm off. I'd rather it was all resolved as quickly as possible so that, at the very least, the current client can start looking at getting a replacement ASAP (although they have said the extension will be on the table until my very last day here, which is nice).

**mavster07** · 17 March 2011, 09:32

Simple fact of the matter is that if Agency A weren't authorised to act on behalf of the client, be that direct or via Agency B, then its the client's problem to sort that out, not yours. If you want the role, ditch Agency A (scold them for not playing by the rules) and go with B. In the end you are better off because going through multiple agencies is always complicated, affects your rate and is messy on renewal.

Keep it simple, go with B and make sure they protect you from any issues with the client over this debacle.

Simples.

**NotAllThere** · 17 March 2011, 11:03

Agency A can only really go after the client for damages.

When I first started contracting, I turned down a role with a client offered by agency X, as I had another contract offer that I preferred. (With Enron!). That fell through, so I was back on the market. Agency Y also had the requirement from the former client, and they put me forward again. The client agreed to take me on.

Agency X found out about it and were, understandably, very annoyed. They had no legal hold on me whatsoever, but did try to sue the client. They lost. They also lost any chance of future business with the client. And, when I was a hiring manager, they lost the chance for me to use them, as I don't deal with agencies who sue potential clients.

Go with your agency B, and let agency B and your client worry about everything else. You may find that they think it not worth the hassle and let you go. But that's life.

**Wanderer** · 17 March 2011, 11:17

Originally posted by Flubster View Post

agency 'A' are kicking up a stink and either want to get on the PSL (and get their commission) or get paid a one-off finders fee. This may get resolved over the next couple of days, but if it doesn't, do I have a course of action? I've already been told I can't go direct to the client.

Seen this happen before.

Agency A are pricks for even starting this situation off, they should have never advertised a vacancy that they had no hope of placing someone in for a start and secondly, they should not involve the contractor in their contractual disputes with the client. Generally it's for the two agencys and the client to

it out and absolutely nothing to do with you, you are just the tulip in the tulip sandwich here.

Normally you will just be told that you didn't get the job if the agencies can't come to a contractual agreement.

Since agency A have told you what's going on, I would up the ante and approach agency B and ask them to represent me for the role and agency A can go and take a running jump for trying it on in the first place. Also tell them you've got another contract lined up and if they don't sort their tulip out then no one will get you. Sounds like a really tulipty situation but this is the way agencies do business so play them at their own game.

Agency Shenanigans?