Early Notice

[TheFaQQer]

I want to leave my contract 1 month before my contract end date....In my contract is says that i'm not allowed to give notice so if they don't apply common sense and let me go a month early what would happen if i just walked..Except for getting a bad name with the agency and possible client would i be at risk for then taking me to court e.t.c

Any advice

As others have said, try honesty.

If that fails, then just tell them that you aren't available for work those last four weeks as you will be out of the country. Sorted.

[DodgyAgent]

I can only talk from my experience. Things may be different for you and others reading.

For one reason or another I finished my last contract early. I did make my intension clear with ClientCo (and gave reasons) a couple of weeks before and with the agency. The agency however insisted I fullfilled my one month notice pointing out the clause in my contract. I ignored and left early giving only two weeks notice.

The agency made numerous threats over the phone and called me constantly. I won't repeat what they said but they really showed their true nature. It started with the consultant ringing me, then his manager and finally some from their legal team demanding I returned to fulfill the contract.

To cut a long story short, they did nothing and I still get offers of work from the same consultant. So it turned out good for me.

The fact that you were up front with the client is all that matters. The agency should have supported you.

[DodgyAgent]

I want to leave my contract 1 month before my contract end date....In my contract is says that i'm not allowed to give notice so if they don't apply common sense and let me go a month early what would happen if i just walked..Except for getting a bad name with the agency and possible client would i be at risk for then taking me to court e.t.c

Any advice

Try a bit of honesty with the client and explain what you want to do. If your role is critical then they will want you to stay, and you shouldnt be considering "running off" in the first place.

[Scotchpie]

I can only talk from my experience. Things may be different for you and others reading.

For one reason or another I finished my last contract early. I did make my intension clear with ClientCo (and gave reasons) a couple of weeks before and with the agency. The agency however insisted I fullfilled my one month notice pointing out the clause in my contract. I ignored and left early giving only two weeks notice.

The agency made numerous threats over the phone and called me constantly. I won't repeat what they said but they really showed their true nature. It started with the consultant ringing me, then his manager and finally some from their legal team demanding I returned to fulfill the contract.

To cut a long story short, they did nothing and I still get offers of work from the same consultant. So it turned out good for me.

[MikeB]

I went through this last year. Long story, but in the end the agency I was through claimed their loss of earnings (their percentage of my final month's invoice) and I agreed with my new agency to split this down the middle. Ended up costing me about £350 which I was VERY happy to pay to escape

Speak to all parties, if you have a good reason for leaving (e.g. current project coming to an end you're not busy, new role has been offered which you'll miss out on if you don't go now, current climate etc etc) then you MIGHT find your current agent is sympathetic...

[Cooperinliverp00l]

Not allowed to give notice or No notice period? Means two distinctly different things.

Former means they can sue you if you walk, latter means you can walk without giving ANY notice!

Very interesting...i will need to re-check the wording tonight. If it is the first one i assume i could only be liable for the months earnings that the agency would miss out on. e.g if i would of invoice for £100 that month and i was due £70 then really they can only get me for the remaining £30...would that be correct ?

[Solidec]

Not allowed to give notice or No notice period? Means two distinctly different things.

Former means they can sue you if you walk, latter means you can walk without giving ANY notice!

[Cooperinliverp00l]

I want to leave my contract 1 month before my contract end date....In my contract is says that i'm not allowed to give notice so if they don't apply common sense and let me go a month early what would happen if i just walked..Except for getting a bad name with the agency and possible client would i be at risk for then taking me to court e.t.c

Any advice