• Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
  • Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!

Agency want to change my start date 2 months into my contract

Collapse
X
  •  
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Agency want to change my start date 2 months into my contract

    Just had a bizarre voicemail from my agency who have said that they are doing a couple of audit checks. Apparently my contract renewal start date is 'wrong' and should start on the 1st April 2018 instead of the 3rd April. The reason I asked the end client to start it on the 3rd was because the 1st was a Sunday and the 2nd a bank holiday, so I didn't want to lose 2 days in pay (I don't work on weekends or bank holidays). They agreed to it and I've been working the contract since with no mention of a date change being wrong by the agency. I'm baffled as the date is in the past but worried about the implications? I'm not sure what difference it makes now. The message went on to say to call agent back to allow the change as they need my permission.

    Should I ignore this? I have had nothing in writing or any reason why it needs to be changed. This is the second request for change due to 'audit' reasons from my agency. The last was a few months ago when they suddenly decided 4 months into my original contract that they wanted me to provide referee details for every contract I have had over 3 years, even though I had my accountant send a reference letter to cover the period which was acceptable at the time of my onboarding/ screening criteria. I refused to provide them because it again was pointless when they had already accepted my original reference and agreed to my contract. I never heard from them again. Until now. Is this legitimate practice?

    #2
    Agency want to change my start date 2 months into my contract

    I’d question them what’s the reason. Audit checks doesn’t really explain.

    Very bizarre. As they’re doing themselves out of potential money too.

    Edit - Or quote them a new rate for the new contract

    Comment


      #3
      I take it they are bringing your end date forward by 2 days as well.

      It's probably just about budget. If you go on for 2 days longer than they've budgeted for, someone gets a kicking.
      I'd just accept it as otherwise you risk them giving you notice, timed to end 2 days early, and that f***s any renewal.
      See You Next Tuesday

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by ziggystardust View Post
        --- The reason I asked the end client to start it on the 3rd was because the 1st was a Sunday and the 2nd a bank holiday, so I didn't want to lose 2 days in pay (I don't work on weekends or bank holidays).
        That makes no sense. How would you have lost 2 days pay? You don't work those days anyway, so you won't be paid for them regardless of the contract start date.
        Down with racism. Long live miscegenation!

        Comment


          #5
          Invite them to take you out for lunch to discuss it.

          Maybe they will take you up the oxo tower?

          Comment


            #6
            If you are Opted In the agency has certain obligations and checking references is one of them so there *could* be some truth in the fact they need to collect this evidence if they didn't at the beginning. If you are opted out there is no reason to do it to meet their obligations to the Agency regs. It could be they've not met their obligations in the overarching contract with the client though. You did right to refuse it though. Even though the above might be legitimate reasons I'd be very suspicious it's just a cover up to get references that they will chase for sales. You did right to refuse IMO. At worst you just give them the last agents details. Never give past clients.

            Are you absolutely sure the start date is the ONLY thing that is changing? Is the whole contract, start and end, moving a couple of days or just the start date? Again the only thing I can think they want to change this for is because of some stipulation in the overarching contract with the client. Some clients, including my current one, start their working week on a Sunday so maybe the date is to fit in with their billing/working periods.

            I'm on the fence with this one at this moment. If I was in your situation and I was totally convinced this made no difference to the contract (which it won't if the days have passed) I'd probably sign it for an easy life, but I'd have to be convinced. Any doubts about duplicitous intentions I'd dig my heels in.

            EDIT : Did you ever supply your passport details, which is also a stipulation for Opt In? If not and they aren't checking that as well as the references I'd be suspicious.
            'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

            Comment


              #7
              Seems like a very strange request. I've been an agent for 14 years and can't think of a reason that you'd need to do this. It's possible that there is an issue with the end date running over without an available budget. Often a client will have a budget for a certain number of days, others will be time bound so they may only have sign off until the 1st of the month and not be in a position to pay you up until the 3rd of the month.

              Did they say that they need to also change your end date? If they did then this makes more sense. If they haven't then it's very strange.

              Ultimately I can't see what difference it would make so I'd be tempted to agree, unless there's an explicit concern that you have?

              Comment


                #8
                Does the contract have a stipulated end date or just a start date and duration?

                If the latter, then I'd agree with Agent that they've probably got budget until the end of Month n and your two days in Month n+1 have tripped some sort of unaccounted spend alarm at ClientCo.

                No point putting the whole contract and potential extension at risk for the sake of two extra days that look likely to be pulled anyway.
                The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world that he didn't exist

                Comment


                  #9
                  Sounds like the agent screwed up by changing the contract start date (and likely the end date too) when you said you would be starting on the 3rd. They should have left the contract start date as the 1st and you just didn't work or bill for the first two days. Likely it is now out of sync with the agency's contract with the client.
                  Maybe tomorrow, I'll want to settle down. Until tomorrow, I'll just keep moving on.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by NotAllThere View Post
                    That makes no sense. How would you have lost 2 days pay? You don't work those days anyway, so you won't be paid for them regardless of the contract start date.
                    I think the chap is saying that if the start date is two days later, then the end date is two days later. If the first two days cannot be worked, then to start the contract after this enforced holiday so the end date can be worked, and presumably invoiced.

                    Bit short sighted though as one may look to a renewal, or a new contract to cover all working days.

                    Comment

                    Working...
                    X