Can my recruitment consultancy increase their cut?

[BlasterBates]

This is actually quite simple.

Just tell your agent that you will not accept a cut, but you have nothing against him trying to get a rate out of the client (out of politeness).

The markup is nothing to do with you that's between the agency and the client. You can keep out of it just be very firm about maintaining your daily rate.

It's rather pathetic that the agency has come with a begging bowl to one of it's contractors.

[Wanderer]

the rate they took of my agreed daily fee was 10%. Now, just the other day they've turned around and said that this rate is no longer enough, and they want 18% of that daily rate, because "the initial sum was a low introductory rate and isn't enough now" (or words to that effect).

Just laugh at their ridiculous demand and tell them flatly NO. You really don't need to get into a discussion with them about this.

Seriously, 10% is a very nice little earner for doing nothing over the last 2.5 years. If they don't want to be your agency then you could easily find another one who would take an even smaller cut of your pay. Alternatively, speak to the client about going direct and split the 5% saving between you.

If you really like it there then you may want to speak to the client about becoming permie, unless you are outside IR35 in which case you are probably better off as a contractor.