Will I get blacklisted by agencies if I back out of an offer

[Wanderer]

I am tempted to do as you say & sod the agent, but unfortunately they are one of the large preferred suppliers into a niche market (high security clearance government).

You've upped the ante a bit now.

Generally, there isn't much goodwill between agents and contractors but if you're unlucky it may prejudice them against you for being a bit of a time waster. Rest assured, if the client wants you, the agency will get you. But if it's 50/50 then it might tip the balance against you. You've just got to do what you think is best. If you do blow them out then make sure you come up with a very plausible cover story.

[Not So Wise]

There are no such things as blacklists except the one a particular agent (not the agency as a whole) might keep.

Basically because they are unworkable, five minutes after one was created some clever sod would load up all the best (highest paid) contractors he knows to screw all other agents out of getting a possible commission by forcing contractors to go through him

And until you have signed the contract not much agency can do if you change your mind (and same applies in reverse if they decide not to give you the contract) and even after you sign very rare for them to do something.

Mainly because unless contract is worth millions (and your Ltd is also) the cost/benefit ratio of suing just does not make it worthwhile

[cazzle]

Thanks for all your advice. I am tempted to do as you say & sod the agent, but unfortunately they are one of the large preferred suppliers into a niche market (high security clearance government).
Does anyone have any experience of this particular problem?

[gingerjedi]

The agent will get a bit upset with you but next time he has got a role you would be a match for he will phone you. After all, you are only stock to him and an agent only cares about cash.

I always thought that until I turned down an offer, a well known agent from Sanderson used to ring me every month for an update... not heard a peep since it happened.

[SueEllen]

The answer to the OP is that you can verbally accept an offer "subject to contract" and then pull out if something better comes up. Just hunt through the contract and tell them you don't agree with a load of terms and then when they refuse to bend over backwards, tell them you won't accept their contract terms so no deal and then go with the contract you wanted.

Be prepared for a load of grief from the agency but I don't think it will do you any long term harm.

WHS

[Scrag Meister]

Be prepared for a load of grief from the agency but I don't think it will do you any long term harm.

WWS

No long term harm, just a p'd off gent for a while, but hey they cause us enough grief in different ways seems only fair.

[Wanderer]

Some agencies are putting clauses in their contracts that once you sign and then back out, you have to pay them upto 500 quid (and if its a clause in the signed contract, it will be binding!).

Clauses like that aren't enforceable, they are just put there to frighten the noobies.

Possibly the exception to this would be if it was a balanced contract with a clause saying that if the client pulls out they pay YOU 500 quid...


The answer to the OP is that you can verbally accept an offer "subject to contract" and then pull out if something better comes up. Just hunt through the contract and tell them you don't agree with a load of terms and then when they refuse to bend over backwards, tell them you won't accept their contract terms so no deal and then go with the contract you wanted.

Be prepared for a load of grief from the agency but I don't think it will do you any long term harm.

[TheFaQQer]

Accept verbally subject to an agreed contract. Then stall them while you interview elsewhere if necessary.

Have the contract reviewed, which takes time, etc. etc. You can always make the contract unacceptable as a get out if you need to.

[d000hg]

Some agencies are putting clauses in their contracts that once you sign and then back out, you have to pay them upto 500 quid (and if its a clause in the signed contract, it will be binding!

That really happens? If you get such a contract, try adding a clause the agency will pay you £500 if the contract is terminated in 1 month or less.

[BolshieBastard]

I am about to leave a permie job for a contract where I will be working away from home. I haven't actually signed the contract yet but expect to receive it within the next few days.
I have now been asked to interview for another contract much nearer to home, and for the same rate.

If I get the second post (and I am fairly confident that I stand a good chance that I will), am I allowed to turn down the first contract after having said I'll take it? And if I do, will the agency put my name about as being unreliable?

Having been out of contracting for 10+ years, and never been in this situation in the past, I don't know the 'etiquette'.

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

The agent will give you a bit of grief about it. If the agency you are going to let down is part of a group, its possible they may put a comment on your record that you backed out of an offer.

Some agencies are putting clauses in their contracts that once you sign and then back out, you have to pay them upto 500 quid (and if its a clause in the signed contract, it will be binding!). However, if you havent signed, there's not a lot they can do except badmouth you if they are really arsey.

[dynamicsaxcontractor]

I am about to leave a permie job for a contract where I will be working away from home. I haven't actually signed the contract yet but expect to receive it within the next few days.
I have now been asked to interview for another contract much nearer to home, and for the same rate.

If I get the second post (and I am fairly confident that I stand a good chance that I will), am I allowed to turn down the first contract after having said I'll take it? And if I do, will the agency put my name about as being unreliable?

Having been out of contracting for 10+ years, and never been in this situation in the past, I don't know the 'etiquette'.

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

The agent will get a bit upset with you but next time he has got a role you would be a match for he will phone you. After all, you are only stock to him and an agent only cares about cash.

[cazzle]

I am about to leave a permie job for a contract where I will be working away from home. I haven't actually signed the contract yet but expect to receive it within the next few days.
I have now been asked to interview for another contract much nearer to home, and for the same rate.

If I get the second post (and I am fairly confident that I stand a good chance that I will), am I allowed to turn down the first contract after having said I'll take it? And if I do, will the agency put my name about as being unreliable?

Having been out of contracting for 10+ years, and never been in this situation in the past, I don't know the 'etiquette'.

Many thanks in advance for any advice.