The curious case of the disappearing start date

[Bill Lumbergh]

First time poster, long time lurker! I've found myself in a bit of a pickle, and I was hoping for some insight from more experienced contractors.

Here's the situation: I recently snagged an offer from a top IB. The recruiter said the client's HR department would like me to start on date X, but he should be able to convince them to get me in on date X minus two weeks. To hit that start date, I handed in my notice.

Apparently that date wasn't achievable, so then it was going to be three days later to give HR more time. That didn't pan out either, so I signed the contract with the original start date, looking forward to a two-week break.

The recruiter called me last thing on Friday to say HR are still having difficulties, and won't be able to get me in for another month (date X plus three weeks). This leaves us in a bit of a predicament, because the contract says I'm starting on date X but in practice I'm effectively benched. I've opted out, for what that's worth.

Has anyone else run into this kind of situation? Any thoughts?

[tarbera]

Yes

First time poster, long time lurker! I've found myself in a bit of a pickle, and I was hoping for some insight from more experienced contractors.

Here's the situation: I recently snagged an offer from a top IB. The recruiter said the client's HR department would like me to start on date X, but he should be able to convince them to get me in on date X minus two weeks. To hit that start date, I handed in my notice.

Apparently that date wasn't achievable, so then it was going to be three days later to give HR more time. That didn't pan out either, so I signed the contract with the original start date, looking forward to a two-week break.

The recruiter called me last thing on Friday to say HR are still having difficulties, and won't be able to get me in for another month (date X plus three weeks). This leaves us in a bit of a predicament, because the contract says I'm starting on date X but in practice I'm effectively benched. I've opted out, for what that's worth.

Has anyone else run into this kind of situation? Any thoughts?

Yes its called pulling your chain and there is no contract between Agency and Client, just a promise of one, next agency move will be for them to tell you the role is now on hold and ignore your calls.

Ask to see an email from the client with any details want-so-ever

[MyUserName]

Whilst it is possible that the HR department are messing the agency around due to security clearance or something it is more likely that the agency is messing you around.

Worst case scenario - you do not have a gig with this bank at all. The agency was fighting for a place for you and told you it was a cert because you would never sit there and wait otherwise. If it does not come through they will shrug their shoulders and move on. They will not care about any financial damage that they have caused you.

Rule that one out first, either contact the client (presumably you have the interviewer's details and ask them to verify what the agency is saying) or ask to be forwarded the emails from the client (say it is to do with your insurance or something and that you cannot proceed without it or you have had another offer from somewhere else so need reassurance). If they refuse whilst you are threatening to walk then they do not have them so move on.

[craig1]

I never stop looking for work until I'm in the door and working. If that means I have to turn down more work then that's fine, good agents do understand that good contractors can be snapped up at short notice and that's the peril of clients moving slowly. I've seen this situation more than a few times when a hiring manager sometimes shortcuts a process desperate for someone to start but when they go for a purchase order for the money then a more senior manager tells them "no", too many hiring managers then waffle on or ignore agents pretending the role still exists while they look around for someone who can change the senior manager's mind.

This isn't an ideal solution but it's moved things on a few times when I've been getting unintelligible dross from agency: Did you get the business card or contact details for the hirer at interview? If so, drop them a note and ask them if there's anything you can do to progress the contract start date. Even if you didn't get their details, call the switchboard and ask for them. You may get the truth and be able to plan your next move.

More realistically though, you should be telling the agent that you're back on the market still and you consider the contract you've signed as frustrated as they've failed to meet its original terms around start and cannot give you a precise and guaranteed start date. Make it very clear to them that you will re-sign the contract if they get you in the door before you find another role but apart from that you're a free man.

If you're with a dodgy agency, they'll be telling you that you're bound by the contract and can't work for anyone else while they're still hanging on for the chance that they can get you started. That's when you tell them to go forth and multiply.

[northernladuk]

It isn't uncommon for start dates to move for a whole raft of reasons. Most seem to want to go agent bashing but in both cases I have had a start delayed it was client process and sign off holding up. Agent was in the same boat as me and he was just as frustrated as he doesn't get his money either. We have had many posts about clients being tardy with renewals and sign off, PC's last but one client for example never got him the renewal paperwork on time.

Where I am sure it happens to pick on the agent as the main cause I would say isn't really justified. He wants to get paid for his work as well. There may be signs that he isn't being above board but if you have been interviewed and the client said yes then there are other issues apart from a devious agent that might be the problem.

Unfortunately it isn't unheard of for the role to evaporate at this point as well. HR/Finance delays means you miss the dates the project wanted you for so they just can it. As a contractor you effectively have nothing until you are sitting at a desk at the client on day one with a signed contract in your back pocket. Not very nice but that is the way it is I am afraid.

[Bill Lumbergh]

Ouch. So should I assume the signed contract with the recruiter doesn't count for much, especially since I'm opted out?

Security clearance isn't the issue, the HR situation as stated by the recruiter is that they're putting in new IT systems.

[TheBigD]

I had a similar thing with an IB a few years ago. Agency kept telling me the start date was being pushed back, eventually, they stopped taking my calls. When I did finally get through to the agent, he admitted the roled had been canned.

Keep looking, don't expect the agency to contact you if there's a problem.

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst!

[MyUserName]

Ouch. So should I assume the signed contract with the recruiter doesn't count for much, especially since I'm opted out?

Security clearance isn't the issue, the HR situation as stated by the recruiter is that they're putting in new IT systems.

Well ... that is not impossible. Ask the agent for the email from the client contact or contact the interviewer directly. A team leader will know how agencies work and will not mind confirming the situation as he will not want to lose you over a misunderstanding.

[SueEllen]

Ouch. So should I assume the signed contract with the recruiter doesn't count for much, especially since I'm opted out?
.

The contract doesn't count for anything until you are on site and working.

If something happens at the last minute for either party which means the work can't start then the contract is void.

[northernladuk]

It is an interesting point to the argument about no work no pay. If the contract has started and you are not on site you don't expect to get paid so a perfect example of no work no pay that people tend to accept.