Employment Agents... bad experiences?

[TheFaQQer]

To me this is a bit like a gazumping situation in a property deal. It's perfectly lawful but it p1sses the person off who already struck a deal.

Almost - I don't think it's legal though! You have a verbal contract, and if you've agreed in writing / email a start date, then you have a lot more than a verbal agreement.

If the agency wanted to, I'm sure that they could pursue some degree of damages.

This is, perhaps, a lesson to agents as well - get the contract out there and signed quickly, or people will do this.

[Xil3]

I've already admitted to the fact that what I did was wrong and I truthfully felt awful! BUT as most people know, we all have bills, loans and mortgages that we have to pay off, so if I can find a contract that doesn't require me to live pay cheque to pay cheque hell yes I'll go for it. Why should I live a less enjoyable life just to retain a level of professionalism that most agents and/or companies don't even abide by.

[Not So Wise]

So you are saying it is OK to renage (sp?) on a deal?

Until contracts are signed there is no "deal", just load of hot air

This will be the clients opinion if he wants to cancel the work
This will be the agents opinion if he wants to cancel (or client cancels) the position
This should be the contractors opinion if he wants to cancel taking the position

Now we could go back and forth all day long about "verbal agreements" but at the end of the day we know what everyones opinion will be if they want to get out of the agreement, "Just hot air"

Just imagine if all businesses started to do this.

Most do if it is to their benefit. Hell these days many try to keep the right to change the contract terms at any time they choose and if you don't like it you can just sod off

Sorry, but I firmly believe we need a code of ethics and working practices.

A code of practice would be nice, but without agents AND clients being bound by the same code it would only tie our hands behind our backs and allow them screw us over without fear

And considering agents generally try every trick in the book to get out of their own rather basic code of practice (the EB regulations) what do you think the chances are of them conforming to a code of practice that basically translates into "your word is your bond"? Pigs will fly to Mars under their own power first

The OP's only real mistake was taking the abuse from the agent, he should have just informed the agent as soon as the decision was made, said sorry and hung up leaving no chance for the abuse to occur

As to complaining to the agents manager...lol does anyone REALLY think the manager will care?

[XTC]

Until contracts are signed there is no "deal", just load of hot air

This will be the clients opinion if he wants to cancel the work
This will be the agents opinion if he wants to cancel (or client cancels) the position
This should be the contractors opinion if he wants to cancel taking the position

Now we could go back and forth all day long about "verbal agreements" but at the end of the day we know what everyones opinion will be if they want to get out of the agreement, "Just hot air"



Most do if it is to their benefit. Hell these days many try to keep the right to change the contract terms at any time they choose and if you don't like it you can just sod off

A code of practice would be nice, but without agents AND clients being bound by the same code it would only tie our hands behind our backs and allow them screw us over without fear

And considering agents generally try every trick in the book to get out of their own rather basic code of practice (the EB regulations) what do you think the chances are of them conforming to a code of practice that basically translates into "your word is your bond"? Pigs will fly to Mars under their own power first

The OP's only real mistake was taking the abuse from the agent, he should have just informed the agent as soon as the decision was made, said sorry and hung up leaving no chance for the abuse to occur

As to complaining to the agents manager...lol does anyone REALLY think the manager will care?

Well said. Good post.

[Ardesco]

Until contracts are signed there is no "deal", just load of hot air

Really....

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/07...deals_binding/

Are you still sure about that statement ?

[Xil3]

Really....

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/07...deals_binding/

Are you still sure about that statement ?

Yeah, but most companies won't care. Especially if you haven't even started working for them yet.

And worst case scenario, they make you work out the notice period on your contract.

[XTC]

"they make you work out the notice period on your contract."

Guys, this is Joe the new starter, he's finishing on friday...

[Ardesco]

And as I said in my original post the agent pobably wont bother chasing you. The fact of the matter is that if they wanted you to they could take you to court for breech of contract.

If thier standard contract has no notice period (which it should, we aren't bloody permies!!!) and it was a contract for 6 months they could then claim damages and loss of income to the value of your daily rate for each day that you should have worked for them and have not. they could then add on top court costs interest and compensation for the hassle involved and if the court found in thier favour you would be royally screwed.

This is all hypothetical and I have no doubt that it won't happen, however it could...

I also have to ask, why the hell were you accepting a contact that barely covers the costs of your outgoing if you know that you can get a contract for double the money? Why did you agree to do it and agree a start date in the first place if it's so bad?

To me it sounds like you are trying to make excuses to justify your decision. If you want a pat on the back and congratulations for undermining the professionalism of every contractor on this forum from me you will have a long wait and I am quite disgusted that there are people on this forum who are willing to give you what you seek.

[The Lone Gunman]

Guys: I dont care what agents and clients do, I refuse to stoop to their level. If I am getting shafted that is my lookout.

Some time ago we were inflicted with IR35 and have since been dogged by HMRC. The Paymaster General has painted us as a bunch of tax cheating money driven scoundrels wh will do anything to make an extra buck.
I have spent years posting on this and other web sites and telling any who will listen that I am not like that and nor is my business.
I try very hard to behave professianaly at all times.

I hope that one day we might be recognised for the pros that we are and the job that we do, but while we keep giving Dim Prawn and Goldon Brown more ammunition it is a forlorn hope.

[Ardesco]

Some time ago we were inflicted with IR35 and have since been dogged by HMRC. The Paymaster General has painted us as a bunch of tax cheating money driven scoundrels wh will do anything to make an extra buck.

Maybe all the tax cheating money driven scoundrels who will do anything to make an extra buck see contracting as the best way to do it now thanks to all the bad publicity....

If that is where we are heading it is a sad day for the profession....