Can I change agencies but stay in the same role?

[CoeRoe]

Hi all

Hope someone can help. Is it possible to change recruitment agencies bit stay in the same role, legally? E.g. I have been temping through a well-known agency for around 14 weeks in the same role, I really like the firm but not the agency! If the firm were happy (as they are also not keen on the agency) could I switch to another agency and stay in the same role?

Hope this makes sense...

tia

[mike11111]

I doubt it as the firm and the agency will have a contract. Best bet is to hope that in time the firm will give you a contract with them direct.

[CoeRoe]

Thanks Mike. Hopefully that will happen, and from what I've read the agency should not be able to charge the employer a 'temp to perm' fee as I have been here for over 12 weeks (please anyone correct me if this is incorrect!).

[mungbeanz]

I agree with mike. Can't you apply directly to the firm for a job? This would give you more security in the position and save the firm some money.
It is not as simple as switching agencies, as they don't all have the same contracts with companies.
What exactly is the problem? I used to do temp work and after being in a position for that long, rarely had any contact with the agency.

[mike11111]

I don't know about the fee. All I know is that when I was given a company contract 10 years ago my salary increased by 30% for doing the same job. My firm had a minimum of 6 months before becoming eligible.

[Zeuhl]

You are employed by the agency not for the firm you are based in.

Our contract with our temp agency includes substantial 'finders fees' if we want to take one of their temps onto our payroll though we are not prevented from using any other agencies.

So if for example, the firm used another agency, you could transfer onto their books.

[mike11111]

Mung, did the agency not pay your wages?

[scotman]

I can't think it will be possible to change agency without leaving your job. Temp to permanent fee conditions will be part of the contract between agency and company.

[Ellipsis]

The agency has two contracts. One with the firm and one with you.

What you can do with the firm and how much it costs will be governed by these two contracts.

[Zeuhl]

scotsman

if they just switch agency why would temp to permanent fees come into it?

[mungbeanz]

Yes mike they paid the wages, but I filled in timesheets at the places i worked and they would sign and fax them for me. The agency would call every few weeks to see if i was still happy in the position and that was the only contact. All holidays and sicknesses were dealt with by the companies i was with.

[scotman]

Z

I was answering CoeRoe's second post.

[CoeRoe]

Thanks everyone, I'll post more in depth later

[Zeuhl]

Sorry scotman - gotcha

coe roe

you need to ask firm where you are based if they have relationship with any other temp agencies through which you could be employed.

Bear in mind - the firm may not want to jeopardise their relationship with your current agency
- and you may be jumping from frying pan into fire
.