Would you jump ship for better offer?

[Contreras]

If start date is 3 weeks and you haven't signed anything yet then I would just contact the client and the agent (in that order, probably) and say "really sorry but situation has changed and I won't be able to make it".

Agent will throw toys out of their cot but that's just the way it is. Handle it right with the client and you can maintain a business relationship for future contracts, let them know when you expect to become available again. I wouldn't make up stories about personal situation. You can be up front with the agent, but don't mention rate difference to the client as that makes you look mercenary.

In future only accept verbally "subject to contract". Also ask yourself (and the agent) why the paperwork hasn't been raised yet.

Edit: re-read the OP and I see you "verbally accepted a gig subject to contract".

So I don't see what the problem is. Decide which gig you want and go for it.

[TheFaQQer]

Since you've not signed anything, you can do what you want.

Worryingly naive.

[BlasterBates]

The fact that this is around the corner and potentially could provide you with lots of projects in the future.

Stick with it, don't upset the client.

In the end the higher paid contract might just end and you have higher travelling costs.

[CloudWalker]

if you've been offered two jobs and have not signed either contract then the choice is your.

[psychocandy]

As simple mind experiment, imagine if the client had their budget pulled for your role at this point. Would they honor your notice period, would the agent even care? No, because you have no signed contract. End of ...

Oh yes. Happened to me a few months ago. Contract all signed and sealed - can I start in two weeks time. Friday before 3pm - sorry budget has been pulled.

[TheFaQQer]

If he hasn't signed what could the Agency / Pimp actually do?

Prove that there was a verbal acceptance of the contract and sue for breach.

[TheFaQQer]

As simple mind experiment, imagine if the client had their budget pulled for your role at this point. Would they honor your notice period, would the agent even care? No, because you have no signed contract. End of ...

I'd missed this bit.

The terms of the contract dictate that the client will pay for the work that has been done. If there has been no work done, then they don't have anything to pay. It's not about giving you notice or not - they are doing you a favour by waiving the notice period.

This is very different from "I've told you I'm starting but I'm not" because your side of the contract indicates that you will work and be paid for that work.

[TheFaQQer]

Oh yes. Happened to me a few months ago. Contract all signed and sealed - can I start in two weeks time. Friday before 3pm - sorry budget has been pulled.

Did they breach the contract in any way?

[texto]

Prove that there was a verbal acceptance of the contract and sue for breach.

But verbal means nothing here. He has not signed the contract as I understand. So I don't see what the problem is.

[TheFaQQer]

But verbal means nothing here. He has not signed the contract as I understand. So I don't see what the problem is.

Are you suggesting that a verbal acceptance of a contract is meaningless?