Reply to: Contract signed but not started

[tino]

Do some research on Mutuality of Obligation

[MPwannadecentincome]

But it is there problem. Not mine. If I can't go in I cannot get a timesheet signed. It also meant I stopped searching for other work as I had signed a contract It would be reasonable that I would expect to start on the date indicated in the contract.

You are not an employee, they are not obliged to give you work, if they were you would be subject to IR35.

Go find another contract - good luck!

[Turion]

There is no such thing as a "Good Agency".

He is right and wrong. Mainly it's down to the agent. They are sales people after all and need to meet targets.

In order to get roles, for most contractors, the CV should be as widely spread as possible - registered with as many IT agencies and IT job boards as possible. The exception is if you are very niche based or get your own contracts from networking. A lot is down to luck, but you can help influence your luck.

[Mosh]

Can anyone recommend a good agency (if it exists) which is not run by *********?

There is no such thing as a "Good Agency".

[mocha_01]

Can anyone recommend a good agency (if it exists) which is not run by *********?

[thunderlizard]

It also meant I stopped searching for other work as I had signed a contract

That's the bit I disagree with, unless the contract you signed actually said that. Usually a contract is a framework that governs the terms of any work that does get done. It doesn't 100% guarantee that any work will be requested.

[Turion]

...just a small point, but if the project is the "PM's brilliant idea", then they are doing it wrong and it is a company best avoided.

You might be right there.

However, there are also a lot of under-employed PM's out there, desperate to be seen to be doing things in order to avoid the chop. He's probably hung out the last 3 months conducting various studies, requirements analysis, cost justification etc for this supurflous project. Probably even believes in it himself now

[mocha_01]

I always knew agents were slightly short of being considered amoebas, but this is probably the worst I have ever been treated by one.

I started looking again the day I was told it would be put off for a day or so.

Once I have another job I will name and shame them.

[PM-Junkie]

Of course the job was real - in the mind of the PM who interviewed you. He has sent you all the docs and info ready for a quick start.......

BUT PM's sometimes get beyond themselves and assume their brilliant idea of a project will get the go ahead (and budget approval).

Why not call him and ask tomorrow. And don't forget about requesting a copy of that PO from the agent. Remember, it is in the interest of the agent to keep you hanging on as long as there is the faintest chance of this gig happening.

As a new contractor I went through the same tripe and regularly hear about the same thing happening.

...just a small point, but if the project is the "PM's brilliant idea", then they are doing it wrong and it is a company best avoided.

[Turion]

I had already received documentation from the company concerned and signed confidentiality agreements, etc. so I know the job was real.

bunch of a***holes.

Of course the job was real - in the mind of the PM who interviewed you. He has sent you all the docs and info ready for a quick start.......

BUT PM's sometimes get beyond themselves and assume their brilliant idea of a project will get the go ahead (and budget approval).

Why not call him and ask tomorrow. And don't forget about requesting a copy of that PO from the agent. Remember, it is in the interest of the agent to keep you hanging on as long as there is the faintest chance of this gig happening.

As a new contractor I went through the same tripe and regularly hear about the same thing happening.

[mocha_01]

You have the problem, not them. You may have been suckered, and no, you won't get paid for not working.

Call up agent and demand to see the purchase order. For the project to be valid there MUST be a PO from the client to the agency.

No PO = no project and the agency is keeping you hanging on, just in case it materialises. You should also call the client direct and ask them something like is this role approved and budgeted

My advice is to start searching for another role. In fact you should never have stopped until your boots were under the clients desk

I had already received documentation from the company concerned and signed confidentiality agreements, etc. so I know the job was real.

bunch of a***holes.

[Turion]

But it is there problem. Not mine. If I can't go in I cannot get a timesheet signed. It also meant I stopped searching for other work as I had signed a contract It would be reasonable that I would expect to start on the date indicated in the contract.

You have the problem, not them. You may have been suckered, and no, you won't get paid for not working.

Call up agent and demand to see the purchase order. For the project to be valid there MUST be a PO from the client to the agency.

No PO = no project and the agency is keeping you hanging on, just in case it materialises. You should also call the client direct and ask them something like is this role approved and budgeted

My advice is to start searching for another role. In fact you should never have stopped until your boots were under the clients desk

[Not So Wise]

Unless properly opted out signed timesheets are immaterial, but that said, while in theory they should have to pay you, without specific clauses in your contract to cover this scenario (and doubt they are there) your chances of actually getting that money, even if you went to court, are less than nil.

Good rule to follow, don't stop looking for other contracts until 3 days (at the earliest) after new job actually starts

[mocha_01]

Most contracts demand a signed timesheet without one can't see anyone paying you.

But it is there problem. Not mine. If I can't go in I cannot get a timesheet signed. It also meant I stopped searching for other work as I had signed a contract It would be reasonable that I would expect to start on the date indicated in the contract.

[Green Mango]

I signed a contract with a certain agency to start work on 24th June. They however have told me that I cannot start yet.

Are they legally obliged to pay my invoice even though I have not physically gone into work as yet - their problem, not mine.

I have not been told the contract has been cancelled.

Most contracts demand a signed timesheet without one can't see anyone paying you.