Some advice, please, on early termination

[SpontaneousOrder]

Just one thing: is sending an email really considered bad form? I'd have thought that, in 2014, it's as acceptable as any other form of communication and am a little baffled by the suggestion I only emailed because I couldn't be bothered to phone!

It's nonsense in my humble opinion. This is the 21st century.
With that being said you've no way to know whether the person at the other end is living in the 21st century or not - but I never phone. At the end of the day your wife is in hospital and you're not coming in to work; It's not a negotiation so there really is no need to have a chat about it.

[arrumac]

FWIW not that you have moved on, sounds like a minor breach as opposed to a material breach. I suspect the client was going out on a limb with the termination of the contract and would probably look for a compromise.

[retrodeath]

I never contact my agency when I'm not going in. They wouldn't be interested.and I would never call the client, I would always email or text and I would do it early in the day so they have the most notice possible.

Agree with above posters, this won't have come form agency. Will have come from client.

[NotAllThere]

Thanks for the feedback, folks.

I've already effectively moved on. I accept these games are part of contracting.

Just one thing: is sending an email really considered bad form? I'd have thought that, in 2014, it's as acceptable as any other form of communication and am a little baffled by the suggestion I only emailed because I couldn't be bothered to phone!

Maybe the person you emailed was out of office? Then, to your client, it was simply that you failed to turn up. When they called the agency, the agent didn't know anything. The reason you should phone is that it is the only way to know that the message has been received. Email and SMS don't cut it, unless you receive a reply.

Having said that, with my client, I email - but not just one person.

Call the agency and asked what happened - at least you might be able to salvage your relationship with them, for what that might be worth. Further, if they don't pay for the work you've done, beginning dunning procedures.

[TheFaQQer]

Call the agency and asked what happened - at least you might be able to salvage your relationship with them, for what that might be worth.

Do this, but don't make it look like you are begging for the role back. Explain what happened, explain that you understand that it's nothing personal, and suggest that once you know your wife is better, you'll be in touch with an up-to-date CV to look for new roles.

I'd also be inclined to contact the client. Again don't look like you're begging for the role back, but contact them and ask if there is anything that they need you to hand-over to someone. Remind them that you are still there and if they need to contact you about anything that you've done, then they know where you are. Chances are that they won't take you up on the offer, but it might just strike a chord somewhere that you aren't bitter and if they need you back that there are no hard feelings about what has happened.