handing notice in, is it common?

[Bexter]

That's complete legal rot unless you had a rolling contract.

So I checked my contract again and it has a start date and an end date, and does not mention anywhere about it being rolling? I was also under the impression that if it came to the last day, and I hadn't signed anything I could walk away, but my client was insisting the opposite, telling me that "it doesn't work that way" and "I don't need to sign anything", practically patting me on the head at the same time! I was really confused, cause I'm certain its not a rolling contract.

Then, funnily enough, on the last day, agent starts calling and emailing just to "confirm I'd like to renew", urgently needing me to sign something which he sends over and asks me to fax and return asap? However my client tells me that my contract (Between agent and client) was signed and returned over two weeks ago.
I'm sure something went seriously wrong here, but I'm not sure what I did wrong and how I should have prevented it?

[curtis]

I'm sure something went seriously wrong here, but I'm not sure what I did wrong and how I should have prevented it?

It does not sound like you did anything wrong as long as there was a start and end date on your contract it sounds like the agency messed up.

I wonder what would have happened if you declined the renewal agent would have probably wet himself but then no doubt would have blamed you when telling the client!

As for the client saying thats not how it works well it does on your contract, end date is an end date!!

[billybiro]

I know someone who chops and changes like the wind but still manages to get good rates at good places. Sure it'll catch up eventually.

You know, those against the idea keep saying things like this, but it seems that there are many out there who do just chop and change and it never does seem to catch up with them.

Yeah, yeah, one day, you'll say. But maybe by the time that happens they'll have made their fortune and be sipping pina colada's on a beach in hawaii all day long and won't really care? Just a thought.

[SueEllen]

It does not sound like you did anything wrong as long as there was a start and end date on your contract it sounds like the agency messed up.

I wonder what would have happened if you declined the renewal agent would have probably wet himself but then no doubt would have blamed you when telling the client!

As for the client saying thats not how it works well it does on your contract, end date is an end date!!

Nothing stopping you from making a photocopy of your contract.

Highlighting the important bits and giving that copy to the client before you leave on your last day.

They will then learn not to believe agency lies.

[jmo21]

So I checked my contract again and it has a start date and an end date, and does not mention anywhere about it being rolling? I was also under the impression that if it came to the last day, and I hadn't signed anything I could walk away, but my client was insisting the opposite, telling me that "it doesn't work that way" and "I don't need to sign anything", practically patting me on the head at the same time! I was really confused, cause I'm certain its not a rolling contract.

Then, funnily enough, on the last day, agent starts calling and emailing just to "confirm I'd like to renew", urgently needing me to sign something which he sends over and asks me to fax and return asap? However my client tells me that my contract (Between agent and client) was signed and returned over two weeks ago.
I'm sure something went seriously wrong here, but I'm not sure what I did wrong and how I should have prevented it?

There is now no doubt, your contract finishes on a certain date, and the agent has ****ed up.

If you want to leave, explain that politely to the end client.

If you decide you want to stay, now may be the time to get a raise out of the stupid agent.

You did nothing wrong other than not knowing exactly the terms of your contract, but in this instance this not damaging what you want to do.

What I would say is be more aware of the end date, and communicate with both your client and agent making it clear what you want to do in advance to allow for any handover.

[northernladuk]

telling me that "it doesn't work that way" and "I don't need to sign anything", practically patting me on the head at the same time! I was really confused, cause I'm certain its not a rolling contract.

That's assault. Point them to the clause about misconduct and immediate termination. Sorted!