Reply to: Issue with placement agency

[FatLazyContractor]

The question everyone has asked before -> What are you expecting the agent to release you from?

If it is getting so painful, would you take a moment to name and shame the agency + agent?

[TheFaQQer]

Ask the client for a list of who's on the PSL and a contact there.

Get the agency to talk to someone on the PSL and get you in there - even if there's a cut in your rate to cover the addition to the chain, that's got to work out better than getting 100% of nothing, surely?

[psychocandy]

Hi, I am a uk contractor and I have an issue with a placement agency that put my cv forward for a role for which they cannot place me since they are not on the preferred suppliers list with the client and are now refusing to release me despite the fact that the client are prepared to offer the job direct.

Is the agency allowed to block my application with the client in these circumstances ?

Many thanks.
Eric

Release you from what? HAve they got you tied up?

Speak to client, get new agency name from them that they will deal with and crac on. Ignore old agency.

[jmo21]

This sounds like the client is asking for the agency 'release.' The agency is clearly making a stand because they want a successful 'in' to the client's PSL.

This is only going to end in tears. The agency wont let go of the contractor else they see their 'in' disappear. The client doesnt want to deal with the agency so are asking for the 'release.'

Unless the client drops the 'release' requirement or accepts the agency, this offer is going nowhere Im afraid. Best start looking for something new IMHO.

BB is probably right, there is a good chance it will eventually get under the nose of someone in legal at client co who will just say "bin the contractor".

[SueEllen]

This sounds like the client is asking for the agency 'release.' The agency is clearly making a stand because they want a successful 'in' to the client's PSL.

This is only going to end in tears. The agency wont let go of the contractor else they see their 'in' disappear. The client doesnt want to deal with the agency so are asking for the 'release.'

Unless the client drops the 'release' requirement or accepts the agency, this offer is going nowhere Im afraid. Best start looking for something new IMHO.

The agency has no contract with the client.

The agency may have an agreement to represent the contractor with the contractor but as they don't have a contract with the client, they become unstuck.

Hence all the contractor needs to do if they are so desperate to work for the client is find an agency with enough clout on the client's PSL who will tell the first agency to foxtrot oscar. However this does depend on the client having signed agreements or other wproof with the agents that they are on it's PSL to show that a contact exists.

[BolshieBastard]

This sounds like the client is asking for the agency 'release.' The agency is clearly making a stand because they want a successful 'in' to the client's PSL.

This is only going to end in tears. The agency wont let go of the contractor else they see their 'in' disappear. The client doesnt want to deal with the agency so are asking for the 'release.'

Unless the client drops the 'release' requirement or accepts the agency, this offer is going nowhere Im afraid. Best start looking for something new IMHO.

[jmo21]

That's for sure. But the question is what can I do to force them to release me.

I won't get a job because of them.

As I said on my last post, they have no contract with you, no contract with client co. All they have is empty threats.

[meridian]

What do they need to 'release' you from? Do you have an exclusivity agreement with them, or have you signed anything with them to state that they would represent you to this client?

[SueEllen]

Ask the client what agencies are on their PSL. Then as your so desperate to work with the client contact one of them making sure it's a large one.* Then ask them to represent you.

*I'm presuming here you know how to use google and other websites to confirm this.

[northernladuk]

What exactly are they doing to stop you? You are dealing direct with the client so how are they even in the loop?

[Boo]

That's for sure. But the question is what can I do to force them to release me.

There's nothing you can do to force the agency to release you. Your options are restricted to giving the agency a backhander or else contacting the person who interviewed/hired you and explaining to them what the situation is. If you persuade one of the agencies on the PSL to take you on board you may find the problems melt away so I would try that too.

I won't get a job because of them.

Sounds a shame but life is a female dog sometimes.

Boo

[rowingf35]

That's for sure. But the question is what can I do to force them to release me.

I won't get a job because of them.

[jmo21]

The agent is claiming that he was the first to put my CV through and secured an "interview" and should be paid for sourcing me.

Well, the first bit, he's right!

But he had no contract with client co for providing that service. Either a rookie mistake, or he took a flyer, hoping his mate at client co would like you, and then the agency would be able to force their way on to the PSL.

[Contreras]

The agent is claiming that he was the first to put my CV through and secured an "interview" and should be paid for sourcing me.

By whom?

Say you need to see a demand from their lawyer (which will never happen, btw).

Politely suggest they take the matter up directly with the client.

Then ignore all further communication from the agent.

[rowingf35]

My CV was sent by the agent to a manager who happened to be a acquaintance of his, a phone interview was organised with the team manager who is currently hiring. The "interview" was more of an informal chat (10 mns max) , no question asked on my skills or CV. The guy mentioned during this chat that he was not sure about the process for hiring contractors...
A few days later, I got a call from procurement who found my CV on a job site and had no idea that my CV had been sent "internally". At this time they also confirmed that the hiring process must go through them or a PSL approved agency. They made it clear that I would not be hired via this agency.

When I questioned the agency about the list they replied that they were not on the PSL but were an approved supplier. Clearly not the case ! Ie they clearly lied to me.

The client is a very large organisation, I don't think that the money is an issue.

The agent is claiming that he was the first to put my CV through and secured an "interview" and should be paid for sourcing me.