Agency numpty contacted current employer...

[matei]

Spot on with the manager comments... I think that he suddenly realised that I'm not an indentured servant and we're in a free(ish) market society.

I received a nicer-than-expected e-mail, stating that I'm an important part of the team etc, please don't go.

I'm not a cloak-and-dagger type of person, however you have to look after your interests. Oh well.

Re. the furnishing of references - I had no choice if I wanted the contract, was told as much by the clientco manager previously. Last time around it was a dreadful process... I had to provide proof that my time off wasn't spent in the clink, had to show receipts, documentation (had to attend a funeral after a long family illness - this entailed death cert etc), have everything translated into English - a real PITA.

This time around I have to ask myself if everyone involved in this process is mentally deficient however... the disclosure agency didn't bother to look at supplemental info (i.e. proof of address) before stating that I'd failed their background check and sending the agency a letter... only to state over the phone that everything is OK.

Almost lost the contract right there, had to explain to the dozy girl at the clientco's agency of choice that all is OK, cert is on it's way.

She was convinced that because the disclosure people couldn't verify my address first time around that I'm some sort of social deviant.

[Wobblyheed]

The advantage of being permie is that your manager can not fire you for applying for other jobs, he can't even give you a hard time about it as you could then leave and sue for constructive dismissal. I wouldn't worry about that at all.

The important thing to learn from this is that the agaent didn't make a mistake, she did this on purpose.

Nail on head.....

[JamJarST]

Indeed... you're right. That is what clientco manager said as well.

In any event, while the current (permie job) is OK, it isn't for me.

I did tell the manager that I always keep an ear to the ground in respect to the market; I'm well within my rights to do so.

Everything should be (touch wood) finalised within the next day or so. I hope!

The advantage of being permie is that your manager can not fire you for applying for other jobs, he can't even give you a hard time about it as you could then leave and sue for constructive dismissal. I wouldn't worry about that at all.

The important thing to learn from this is that the agaent didn't make a mistake, she did this on purpose.

[NotAllThere]

...
I phoned the agency up straight away, and the eejit with whom I was dealing isn't in....

Yes she is. She just doesn't want to talk to you.

Why not tell him that the contract you applied doesn't start until your current contract expires, so he's not to worry his pretty little head about it. What's most shocking is that they actually contacted him for a reference, rather than try to place people.

[Wobblyheed]

Is it a requirement that the people working for the agencies be brain damaged?

I've been offered a contract (waiting for it to be drawn up but it has been approved by clientco), just waiting for the background/credit check to go through before I get it.

I specifically asked the bimbo with whom I'd been dealing at clientco to NOT contact my current employer until said contract had been signed and notice given.

To my utter shock, I got an e-mail from my current manager, stating that he received a reference request and demanded to know why I'm looking for another gig.

I phoned the agency up straight away, and the eejit with whom I was dealing isn't in. The girl currently processing my file said that she never received instruction not to contact current employer.

WTF?!?!?! eekmad:

Schoolboy error.....

Never give references until job offer.

[Zippy]

This is why I won't name my current client (or employer) on the cv and refuse to give references ubtil I have a signed contract.

I hope it all works out for you matei. In the meantime I'd just tell your manager you made a speculative enquiry about a job and the agent took the chance to make a sales call.

[matei]

Indeed... you're right. That is what clientco manager said as well.

In any event, while the current (permie job) is OK, it isn't for me.

I did tell the manager that I always keep an ear to the ground in respect to the market; I'm well within my rights to do so.

Everything should be (touch wood) finalised within the next day or so. I hope!

[pmeswani]

Thanks... we'll see how it pans out. I came up with something similar to this.

What a bunch of useless twats these people at the agencies are.

update... agency are contacting manager to state e-mail was sent in error.

To be honest, I think the damage has been done. Your manager is probably now thinking that you are going to leave in any case, even if you turn the contract role down. You many not be shown the door, but still, you may be overlooked for any opportunities to progress within your current place of work.

[matei]

Thanks... we'll see how it pans out. I came up with something similar to this.

What a bunch of useless twats these people at the agencies are.

update... agency are contacting manager to state e-mail was sent in error.

[Wanderer]

To my utter shock, I got an e-mail from my current manager, stating that he received a reference request and demanded to know why I'm looking for another gig.

Oh, that's messy. Bloody useless agents.

The only thing to do is to go and have a one to one with the manager and say that the agency have contacted him without your permission. Make it clear that there is no firm if you resign you will give written notice and that he will be the first to know.

[matei]

Is it a requirement that the people working for the agencies be brain damaged?

I've been offered a contract (waiting for it to be drawn up but it has been approved by clientco), just waiting for the background/credit check to go through before I get it.

I specifically asked the bimbo with whom I'd been dealing at clientco to NOT contact my current employer until said contract had been signed and notice given.

To my utter shock, I got an e-mail from my current manager, stating that he received a reference request and demanded to know why I'm looking for another gig.

I phoned the agency up straight away, and the eejit with whom I was dealing isn't in. The girl currently processing my file said that she never received instruction not to contact current employer.

WTF?!?!?! eekmad: