Is this perfectly legal?

[Guest]

I am not sure if this is the right forum but here goes.

I started a 3 month contract via a agency back in 08-01-2014 with the end date on my contract being 04-04-2014. The contract notice terms are 1 week notice from me and one month notice from the agency.

I am not happy with the work and the place in general and I notified my agent approx one month into the contract. My agent told me to see how things go since it's only a 3 months contract. Before joining the agent kept calling me continuously to tell me how great the working environment was.

After one more one month I decided I have had enough and spoke to my agent about my plans to NOT extend the contract and requested that I be relieved early. I had 5 weeks left on my contract at that time

In the meantime I spoke the client directly and mentioned him of my intentions. He was suprised because the agent had not told him about my plans and the client said that he will have to see if he can relieve me early. But then I noticed I started getting more work, which was not agreed originally but I didn't mind because I do have the necessary skill set.

In the meantime my agent emailed me quoting that the earliest day I can leave is the end date as per the contract (04-04-2014).

I asked my manager again for a end date and this time I suggested 28th March 2014 i.e a total of 4 weeks since I notified him of my intentions of not extending and I also mentioned I wanted the last week off because of Good Friday etc.

My manager has still not bothered to reply to my emails or speak to me about it. I have sent a strong worded email to my agent asking him for a response.

Is it legal to hold back people even though they are unhappy with the work and place and especially when the candidate has requested he be relieve only one week (3-4 days) early?

[Ticktock]

EDIT: Sure this was in General when I replied...

[Pondlife]

What real difference is the 3-4 days really going to mean to your happiness.

Work to your contract end and leave without issue.
OR
Try to push for 3-4 days early and have to fight to get your last month's invoice paid because the agency decides to be an arse about it.

[MicrosoftBob]

It depends on whether you would want to go back to the end client for a different rule, if so play nice and see out your contract

Worst case if you really can't cope you can give one weeks notice in writing and by email to the agency, as legally it's the agency you give notice to

You have no contractual relationship with the end client

[DirtyDog]

I started a 3 month contract via a agency back in 08-01-2014 with the end date on my contract being 04-04-2014. The contract notice terms are 1 week notice from me and one month notice from the agency.

If you want to terminate the relationship, then you put it in writing to the agency that you will be terminating in one week, in line with clause ABC of your contract.

Put it in an email, and then discuss any handover with the client - you have no contract with them, and you have exercised your right to terminate the contract.

To be honest, for an extra three days (assuming you have nothing else to go to), I would stick it out and think of the money.

[ChimpMaster]

It must be raining contracts in your area.

Firstly, go by your contract - if it says you can give one week's notice then do just that.

Personally, unless you have a better contract to go to, just see out the role until 04/04... after all it's only another couple of weeks and (hopefully) you'll still be paid for the work carried out.

Looks like you've burnt some bridges though - I can't see this client wanting to take you on again if you've given him much un-needed hassle.

[GazCol]

Your contract is with the agency – email them your intended last date, reminding them it’s adhering to the notice period of the contract and just don’t go back after that if you can’t stick out the 3 weeks or so until the contract ends.

[DirtyDog]

I started a 3 month contract via a agency back in 08-01-2014 with the end date on my contract being 04-04-2014. The contract notice terms are 1 week notice from me and one month notice from the agency.

That sounds like it's the opposite of the norm - have you read the contract correctly?

[jmo21]

The contract notice terms are 1 week notice from me and one month notice from the agency.

In the meantime my agent emailed me quoting that the earliest day I can leave is the end date as per the contract (04-04-2014).

So who is correct you or the agent? And what date exactly did you hand in notice?

[Antman]

I am not sure if this is the right forum but here goes.

I started a 3 month contract via a agency back in 08-01-2014 with the end date on my contract being 04-04-2014. The contract notice terms are 1 week notice from me and one month notice from the agency.

I am not happy with the work and the place in general and I notified my agent approx one month into the contract. My agent told me to see how things go since it's only a 3 months contract. Before joining the agent kept calling me continuously to tell me how great the working environment was.

After one more one month I decided I have had enough and spoke to my agent about my plans to NOT extend the contract and requested that I be relieved early. I had 5 weeks left on my contract at that time

In the meantime I spoke the client directly and mentioned him of my intentions. He was suprised because the agent had not told him about my plans and the client said that he will have to see if he can relieve me early. But then I noticed I started getting more work, which was not agreed originally but I didn't mind because I do have the necessary skill set.
...

IR35 alert but hey-ho if it's only 4 months.