Signed with Agent for 6 months, but just learnt client only authorised for 3 months

**craig1** · 6 November 2013, 11:32

You'll find that your contract probably says that they'll only pay you if there's client work to do. No work = no pay regardless of the length of contract. In essence, it's a middle-class zero hours contract.

You'll probably also find that in many cases the agent genuinely thought it was a 6 month bit of work. The client manager probably genuinely wants you for 6 months but could only get his finance people or his line manager to sign off on 3 months against the purchase order. In many companies, they won't process a PO until they have your name to put on the thing meaning the agent won't see the actual authorising PO until after you accept the work.

**plugadaptor** · 6 November 2013, 11:50

Ah interesting, thanks craig1, that's good to know. I'm feeling a bit less victimised now.

**tarbera** · 6 November 2013, 11:53

Dry your eyes and stop crying

Originally posted by plugadaptor View Post

Hi All
I have just started work with a new company and I was told by the agent that the contract was for 6 months and the contract I signed with the agency was for 6 months (with one week notice). After starting at the new company within one week the agent has told me the client is only signing 3 month contracts!
I was very specific about only joining if the contract was for 6 months so this feels wrong. Where do I stand with this legally and am I entitled to any legal compensation?
Thanks

You sir have a 1 weeks contract (not a 3 or 6 month) like we all do, A lot of clients can only sign contractors on a 3 month max contract (areas of RBS and lloydes for example) that ataully know the project is 6/12/18 months and will just roll you on.

you are entilted to one weeks notice

**DirtyDog** · 6 November 2013, 12:04

If you are an unknown quantity, then many clients will only offer a three month contract from the start. After that, you may well be able to negotiate an extension.

**Old Greg** · 6 November 2013, 14:38

Originally posted by plugadaptor View Post

Ah interesting, thanks craig1, that's good to know. I'm feeling a bit less victimised now.

I am sure I am often working on this basis. Don't worry. Unless you can't afford to be out of contract after 3 months.

**Brussels Slumdog** · 6 November 2013, 15:31

No win situation

Originally posted by plugadaptor View Post

Hi All
I have just started work with a new company and I was told by the agent that the contract was for 6 months and the contract I signed with the agency was for 6 months (with one week notice). After starting at the new company within one week the agent has told me the client is only signing 3 month contracts!
I was very specific about only joining if the contract was for 6 months so this feels wrong. Where do I stand with this legally and am I entitled to any legal compensation?
Thanks

I have a six months contract and it was terminated this week after 3 months. I am happy as the credit terms are 75days ( I have been doing a job which is more suitable for a permie) but the agent is unhappy. You have a 3 months contract and if dont like it then you will be happy to leave after 3 months or if you extend it will make you look good and the agent happy.

**northernladuk** · 6 November 2013, 15:32

Originally posted by tarbera View Post

=
you are entilted to one weeks notice

This isn't a given. They could give him his notice and ask him not to work. 1 week unpaid notice.

**Brussels Slumdog** · 6 November 2013, 15:41

If you've gotta go go now.......

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

This isn't a given. They could give him his notice and ask him not to work. 1 week unpaid notice.

Agree I have just been given 2 weeks when my contract says 1 month. The contract only protects the agent and the client not the contractor. 2 weeks work is 2 weeks work. All contracts like life end someday and I dont see the point of hanging on if I am not wanted when there are other clients looking for contractors

**Damon** · 6 November 2013, 19:02

I normally ask for a zero day notice contract on both sides. Particularly when I am recruiting fellow contractors to my teams; It sorts the wheat from the chaff and I see it as a significant IR35 proofing.

All of the above summarises the actual reality. If you read most contracts the notice period is actually meaningless as per above if no work they are not obliged to provide and pay.

Embrace the freedom and set up for 'feast or famine' by getting your overheads low, maximise your reserves and thus create the most powerful negotiating position possible; the ability to say no and/or walk.

I have found by having this I can negotiate hard for the best rate by declining offered rate/roles if needed and being able to not worry about notice periods.

Have you thought about the advantages of a short notice period? Given most recruitment agents are looking for immediate to two weeks availability then you can switch easily when it suits without damaging your profile/reputation?

Signed with Agent for 6 months, but just learnt client only authorised for 3 months