Contract Extension and 'Rate Increase'

[BolshieBastard]

I should have shown my displeasure and refused the contract TBH. It just proves that I am still learning after 20+ years in the contracting game!

Me too! Just fell between 2 stools because I didnt play the two clients offers off against each other.

[Gentile]

I am unsure how wise it would be talking to the client about rates, even if they asked during the initial interview, your contract is with the agent not the client so discussions would go through them, if they are playing silly buggers and are prepared to walk then walk.

WHS.

Whatever the hiring manager's rationale for asking, and however much you accepted that rationale at the time, I think the way that your situation has spun out as a consequence of making a decision to reveal that information proves that it's never a good idea to reveal how much you charge other people for other jobs. As Simon says (tee-hee), your contract is with the agent, and if your client wants to make sure that rate creep isn't an issue, then it's the person that he has a contract with - also the agent - that he needs to discuss that concern with.

And I'm in the camp that considers the term "line manager" to be a clear indicator of disguised employment. They're not your manager - they are a manager that works for your client, and the person you take client feedback from, but you are not one of their direct reports. It's in both your interest and your client's to remember and observe that distinction, in contractual terms as well as in working practice, unless you both like being audited.

[lukemg]

I would be less than impressed by a client that did this, even if they were dead impressed with themselves (presuming agent not being a nob). I would have dug heels in for agreed rate but depends how desperate you are !
I would do what was expected but would be unlikely to pull up any trees while working there. I would also have no qualms about taking another role elsewhere at the end of the contract, when I would normally offer current client first refusal.
So - that being said, what do you do now ? I would have made a strong effort to line up an alternative or guage the market to give some leverage. If the choice is work or bench then I would probably stay. I don't think there is any extra cash coming. If you are out of time and worried about the bench - sign-up and keep a closer eye on the market ?

[Scrag Meister]

nah - i use line manager as well. The person who's responsible for the department in which i work. It's a handy term, not necessarily indicating that he tells me what to do. Except this morning when he told me to get him another coffee as i am his biatch

WNATS

FTFY :d

To OP, my contract stipulates that I am not permitted to talk to the client about rates.

[NorthernApe]

WNATS

To OP, my contract stipulates that I am not permitted to talk to the client about rates.

Well, I didn't have a contract at the time. The talks took place at the interview stage...

[downsouth]

WNATS

FTFY :d

To OP, my contract stipulates that I am not permitted to talk to the client about rates.

yep i'd not sign any contract with that in, stinks all over of agent pulling fast one and taking a large cut

[escapeUK]

I would do what was expected but would be unlikely to pull up any trees while working there. I would also have no qualms about taking another role elsewhere at the end of the contract, when I would normally offer current client first refusal.

Or during the contract either really. Telling people you would never work for them ever again is very satisfying.

[Sausage Surprise]

yep i'd not sign any contract with that in, stinks all over of agent pulling fast one and taking a large cut

Yep...my thoughts too. We've all been there....

[Wanderer]

Agent calls. I've landed the contract but I was asked if I would 'be flexible on rate'. I said no as we had all agreed the rate before, and during the interview. My response was passed on to the manager who basically said it was a take-it-or-leave-it offer. After being on the bench for a period, I reluctantly agreed to the rate decrease.

Agents try their best to be the middle man and play clients and contractors off against each other. Don't let them do it. What probably happened was the agent was increasing his margin and you were taking a pay cut to fund that.

Forget all this tulip about the contract being with the agent, not directly with the client. Go and talk to the client about how much he is paying the agent, what his understanding of what your rate should be and how much margin the agent is taking.

If the client refuses to discuss it then you have to go to the agent, but it's quite possible that they will work with you to cut the agent's margin.

[NorthernApe]

Agents try their best to be the middle man and play clients and contractors off against each other. Don't let them do it. What probably happened was the agent was increasing his margin and you were taking a pay cut to fund that.

Definitely not the agent. Had the rate confirmed by the client directly...