Agencies - ask me to agree to contract without seeing it - that old chestnut

[SueEllen]

Never had it before. Very rarely do I ever meet an agency face to face. Some have asked for scans of passport which is fair enough.

None have ever used this as an excuse for not letting me see a draft contract.

Unfortunately, their office is 70 miles away from where I am with current client.

Get in touch with the client PM and make it clear that you are really excited about the opportunity to work with them but for some reason the agency won't give you a copy of the contract. Point out that you cannot agree to the terms of a contract you haven't had the chance to read and understand fully before accepting as each agency has a contract with different terms.

I've had agencies who I've met because it was easy than fiddling with a scanner and while they tried to make me sign a the contract there and then I've refused.

[northernladuk]

Never had it before. Very rarely do I ever meet an agency face to face. Some have asked for scans of passport which is fair enough.

None have ever used this as an excuse for not letting me see a draft contract.

Unfortunately, their office is 70 miles away from where I am with current client.

It's not really fair enough. There will be a clause in the upper contract saying that it is the agents responsibility to check you are who you say and are eligible. The agent should then be doing what they can to make absolutely sure. A passport scan is not enough and the agents are taking a risk. Oddly enough if you Opt In they are obliged to check every detail so will have to do this more if we all want to Opt in.

Some info on checking ID can be found in this thread...

http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...ml#post1576170

The only way to check is either for you to be stood there with a passport or to have it certified.

[northernladuk]

I really don't know why the basic operation of agents which is well discussed warrants a 3 page thread. It's a standard trick, push them hard and it will appear like magic. It's contracting life. Agents can only get away with pulling silly tricks if the contractor lets them IMO. If the agent thinks your capable he won't be so eager to try it on.

[psychocandy]

I really don't know why the basic operation of agents which is well discussed warrants a 3 page thread. It's a standard trick, push them hard and it will appear like magic. It's contracting life. Agents can only get away with pulling silly tricks if the contractor lets them IMO. If the agent thinks your capable he won't be so eager to try it on.

LOL. But never experienced one this bad. Like I said, some try it on mildly and then give up. This one seems up for it.

[psychocandy]

It's not really fair enough. There will be a clause in the upper contract saying that it is the agents responsibility to check you are who you say and are eligible. The agent should then be doing what they can to make absolutely sure. A passport scan is not enough and the agents are taking a risk. Oddly enough if you Opt In they are obliged to check every detail so will have to do this more if we all want to Opt in.

Some info on checking ID can be found in this thread...

http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...ml#post1576170

The only way to check is either for you to be stood there with a passport or to have it certified.

Interesting. Of course, I guess not always practical when both contractor and client are at other end of the country as sometimes happen.

For instance, what would you do if agency said, sorry you've got the gig but before we can ok it you've got to lose a days billing, then get train to london so we can see you. Not going to happen.

In my case, agency is 15 miles from home. If they want to meet me somewhere in between thats fine by me. Seems a fair deal.

[aoxomoxoa]

I really don't know why the basic operation of agents which is well discussed warrants a 3 page thread. It's a standard trick, push them hard and it will appear like magic. It's contracting life. Agents can only get away with pulling silly tricks if the contractor lets them IMO. If the agent thinks your capable he won't be so eager to try it on.

Try changing your settingss, and as if by magic it becomes a two or even one page thread. AYCOTPOCUK?

[Eirikur]

Used the passport verification service in the post office a couple of times, works fine

[psychocandy]

Used the passport verification service in the post office a couple of times, works fine

Thinking about it one client did insist they saw my passport once. But I was working on their customer site and they wanted me to send it to their head office in the post.

Wasn't too keen to be honest. Contract was only for 6 weeks and this was 3 weeks in and I was off on hols straight after. Really didnt want to find out Royal Mail had lost it in the post and have all the hassle.

Did reluctantly agree in the end and it was all ok.

[northernladuk]

Try changing your settingss, and as if by magic it becomes a two or even one page thread. AYCOTPOCUK?

Guilty as charged on that one

[psychocandy]

Well spoke to their 'compliance admin officer' 4 hours ago who promised to email me what they needed from me. I said fine I've got scans of most of that stuff with me so no problem I'll get it back to you in 30 mins.

No email yet. Deliberate attempt to drag it out again methinks.