Agent stand-off over extension

[TheFaQQer]

But this is not the described scenario is it? The described scenario is that the OP wants to reduce the notice period for purely selfish reasons

Sorry, I missed that part - could you quote the bit where the OP detailed why they were wanting to make changes, as I don't see it in this thread.

And you have no grounds for speculations that there is any sort of misalignment between the C>A and the A>C contracts.

Nor have I made any.

So giving such an excuse is simply pulling a fat lie out of the hat. If i was the customer and a contractor pulls out of the extension 2 days before it supposed to start (while presumably left me under the impression that he is happy for his contract to be extended), and gives such a bogus excuse i would be offended to say the least. And not to the fact that the said contractor is leaving with little or no notice - this is part of the risk of hiring a contractor, but for the part that he thinks i'm so stupid to believe in his bull tulip reasons.

Oh.

[TheFaQQer]

The client doubtless agreed an extension on the basis of what they're already paying.

And at no stage in this thread has the OP indicated that the discussion they had (or want to have) with the agency has any implication on the amount that the client is paying the agency.

[d000hg]

And at no stage in this thread has the OP indicated that the discussion they had (or want to have) with the agency has any implication on the amount that the client is paying the agency.

Which means it's even less surprising the agency doesn't want to talk to him.

[SimonMac]

Its all down to who has the bigger balls, the Agent thinks you are a walk over and if he ignores you, you will go away.

You have the choice to stand your ground and don't show on Monday morning and by lunch time you will either have an agreement or start looking for another gig.

[tractor]

..

Its all down to who has the bigger balls, the Agent thinks you are a walk over and if he ignores you, you will go away.

You have the choice to stand your ground and don't show on Monday morning and by lunch time you will either have an agreement or start looking for another gig.

If you stand your ground and walk, the agent will simply blame you to the client with their usual lies and move on. The client will believe the agent no matter how good you think your relationship is and they will move on. There is always another mug getting off the next bus! They both know this and this is why they couldn't really care. Yes, the client may be inconvenienced but they will get over it.

It's your choice.

[SimonMac]

If you stand your ground and walk, the agent will simply blame you to the client with their usual lies and move on. The client will believe the agent no matter how good you think your relationship is and they will move on. There is always another mug getting off the next bus! They both know this and this is why they couldn't really care. Yes, the client may be inconvenienced but they will get over it.

It's your choice.

The relationship is between the agent and the client so of course they will blame the contractor, but there is no requirement to take up an extension offer, if what is on offer is not what you want you finish your contract and move on, what the client thinks of you after you have left is irrelevant.

[northernladuk]

Lost track now but question back to PC. Do you know if the agent is on a fixed margin?

It could be he is on FM and has been given the notice period with no negotiation possible. In which case PC has an offer in which case he just has a simple decision to make. Getting the client involved in this situation isn't going to help him one jot. The fact the agent isn't responding isn't the issue. Stonewalling is (arguably) a negotiating method so there could be no stand off. That's the deal, take it or leave it.

Only PC is in a position to weigh all the factors up such as relationship with client, wiggle room and possible win situations and come to a course of action. Unfortunately his hate for clients and agents is blinding him.

[northernladuk]

The relationship is between the agent and the client so of course they will blame the contractor, but there is no requirement to take up an extension offer, if what is on offer is not what you want you finish your contract and move on, what the client thinks of you after you have left is irrelevant.

It's not to me. I want him calling me back as soon as some more good work comes up. If it's handled right I don't think not accepting an extension means that client will blackball the contractor forever. Not the best situation to be leaving in to be fair but it's not saveable for future benefit.

[sal]

The relationship is between the agent and the client so of course they will blame the contractor, but there is no requirement to take up an extension offer, if what is on offer is not what you want you finish your contract and move on, what the client thinks of you after you have left is irrelevant.

Not if the customer is under the impression that you accepted the extension and expect you on site, only for you to back down at the last moment for a reason outside of the customer control. In which case don't expect much of a reference from them when you apply for your next gig. Keep burning bridges and you might find that the world is smaller than you thought.

[kal]

Too many apologists for agents on this thread it seems! Some of you think PC is the bad guy in this scenario and are almost defending the 'stonewalling' tactics being employed. If an extension was being offered I would expect the agent (who is happy pocketing his percentage) to talk to me when I phone him to discuss it or to contact me about it, too much to ask?