Deduction of rate for usual fees & request to keep a time log from a recruitment firm

[JamesDeen]

Having recently signed a contract with an agency I have worked with in the past (both with the agency and their client). The client has a piece of work and my name was mentioned, so I had a brief interview and shortly after an offer was made, I accepted and have signed the contract and will start working for the client very soon as a contractor.

Two things seem particularly unusual to me and I'm starting to question the credibility of the recruitment agency:

1. They have stated the two separate deductions will be deducted from my hourly rate, for a special services fee and a management fee - This is the only time I've ever had deductions made out of my hourly / daily rate and I've delivered quite a few contracts in my years. I have challenged this 'special services fee' and was told by the agency its mandatory as the client requests this from their own internal procurement provider, unfortunately I have no way of verifying this until I'm on the clients site which is in another country, non-UK. I also voiced my dissatisfaction on the management fee but understand this deduction as I get remuneration from a payment solution company not the actual agency and it was like this the first time I conducted some work for them i.e just a deduction for management fee, not special services fee. - I guess what Im asking on this point is has anyone else encountered, such a gateway of middle men? What are your thoughts on the situation? Is there anything I can do to claim back these deductions?

2. I have been told by the recruitment consultant, that I must keep a daily work log, itemising all tasks I conduct and list everyone I meet and send this to him on a weekly basis. I must also request any formal holiday through the agency and refrain from discussing any proposed holiday dates with the client. - This one I find really strange, a waste of my time, a mechanism for control over me and only benefiting the recruitment consultant. He's always asking lots of questions about the people and project and I guess he's trying to position me in a way where I spy for him and generate leads or provide him with information. - Has anyone here, been asked to keep the same daily log which they feedback to a recruitment consultant? This second request is not in my contract, so I'm really debating whether I should tell him to take a running jump or should I aim to keep the peace? What are your thoughts on this situation?

Thank you

[SpontaneousOrder]

Do you work for your own ltd company? Then surely you don't have to request permission for anything, although it might be polite and in your own interest to negotiate holiday for when its convenient - but thats different from asking permission.

[KentPhilip]

Were you aware of the fees when you signed the contract?

[Wanderer]

1. They have stated the two separate deductions will be deducted from my hourly rate, for a special services fee and a management fee

You say it's a non UK client so that makes it potentially a bit difficult.

Is the agency a company incorporated in England or Wales? Is the contract governed by English law? If so, then it is likely that it is illegal for them to charge you a fee. But now you are going to tell us that it's not the agency fee but rather it's an umbrella or some strange "scheme provider" in a foreign country that is charging you a fee, and it's all horribly complicated - am I right?

Also, what does your contract say about this?

2. I have been told by the recruitment consultant, that I must blah blah blah

Once again, what does your contract say? Contract doesn't say it, you don't have to do it so just humour the idiot agent until you have the gig and then give them the cold shoulder once you have your bum on a seat and are on talking terms with the client...

[Sausage Surprise]

I have been told by the recruitment consultant, that I must keep a daily work log, itemising all tasks I conduct and list everyone I meet and send this to him on a weekly basis. I must also request any formal holiday through the agency and refrain from discussing any proposed holiday dates with the client. - This one

[Wanderer]

When you get on site the spotty oik is going to start telling you what to do.

When they do this you just tell the agent to butt out and leave you alone....

[JamesDeen]

Were you aware of the fees when you signed the contract?

Yes, I was made aware of the fees before signing the contract.

[JamesDeen]

Do you work for your own ltd company? Then surely you don't have to request permission for anything, although it might be polite and in your own interest to negotiate holiday for when its convenient - but thats different from asking permission.

Yes, I have my own limited company. Usually I would decide when to take a holiday, then clarify with the client. However being asked by the recruitment consultant to notify him first before the client, seems odd.

[JamesDeen]

When they do this you just tell the agent to butt out and leave you alone....

As you and Stevie Wonder Boy pointed out. I think he's grossly overstepping his bounds. This is not mentioned in the contract anywhere. Thanks

[JamesDeen]

Yea right ...LOL ...

Sounds like you pimp has sold himself as a consultancy. ... Big red warning light ... You are at the bottom of the pyramid and you won't feel great when you find out your pimp is taking 80% of your income on the job.

When you get on site the spotty oik is going to start telling you what to do. I would seriously consider my position here.

The thought of them interfering and them telling me what to do has crossed my mind. Why on earth would they try and position themselves this way?

Contractually, I have no obligation to the agent who has made these requests. As long as I satisfy the requirements of the project for the end client. I shouldn't have to listen to the holiday & work log requests.