With agency now - looking to go direct

[zonkkk]

My contract with the agency states my LTD will need to pay them a specific percentage of the last 12 months bills if I want to go direct with the client.

This is a big client that uses them for various needs.
Did anybody else had to deal with this scenario?

I see a few options:
1. Agency lets me go with no payment (on the promise of further business from my Client)
2. My LTD pays them a reduced fee (after the client Negotiates with them)
3. My client pays the agency directly to release me.

Any pitfalls to be aware of?

[quackhandle]

What does your contract state?

Any handshake clause?

Did you opt out of the Agency Regs?

qh

[zonkkk]

My contract states that they want my LTD to pay. I was wondering what ways are there around it. Client is on my side.

What's a handshake clause?

Opted out (or no contract)...

[quackhandle]

My contract states that they want my LTD to pay. I was wondering what ways are there around it. Client is on my side.

What's a handshake clause?

Opted out (or no contract)...

3. Restrictive covenants – An agency can restrict an opted out candidate by contract from working for certain parties following termination, other than through that agency. This is for a period of time which commonly varies between 3-12 months.

Although if it's already in black and white and you signed this, not many options open.

qh

[malvolio]

You can't do anything, you're not big enough. Or pay off the agency and wipe out any benefit you were likely to be looking for.

Ask your client to do it, since they have the leverage. That said, when they look at it properly, they will also refuse.

[quackhandle]

It's quiet so playing devils advocate, lets say OP closes existing company and then opens up a new one so he can go direct with client?

qh

[perplexed]

It's quiet so playing devils advocate, lets say OP closes existing company and then opens up a new one so he can go direct with client?

qh

Depends if contract specifically named him... I mean, there would be a risk of agency if they heard of it getting p1ssed off and contacting HMRC but who knows?

[zonkkk]

You can't do anything, you're not big enough. Or pay off the agency and wipe out any benefit you were likely to be looking for.

Ask your client to do it, since they have the leverage. That said, when they look at it properly, they will also refuse.

Yes, the client said they'll deal with the agency.

[zonkkk]

Depends if contract specifically named him... I mean, there would be a risk of agency if they heard of it getting p1ssed off and contacting HMRC but who knows?

It does say the Company or the Representative, so it kind of does 'name' me...

[perplexed]

It does say the Company or the Representative, so it kind of does 'name' me...

No, it doesn't.