gravelexpress

As you can see via profile, I undertook a Contract posting to Dubai.
Basically everything went wrong, I was terminated after 32 days not the 60!!

I was working on a Day rate, but it was negotiated with the agency that there was overtime, a early termination bonus of 15% and the requirment of a weeks notice from both sides.
The agent sent me a "Contract confirmation note" it only stated the rate and "other rates TBA"
I hand amended the confirmation note and told the agent to type my amendments and repost it -- not a problem he says.
So im in dubai and notice that the overtime is not being paid and also ask him to confirm the termination bonus -- he does via e-mail.
I get terminated and call agency speak to Agent in Uk - he says not a problem "you are due a weeks pay and termination bonus" all very reassuring.
Two weeks later I ring up and ask when payment will be sent --answer "no sorry Mr X is no longer with us!!"
At this point the alarm bells go off!!
I correspond with the agency and after a further 4 weeks they say they cant find any agreement or notes by there ex-employee and they will not pay me.

So did my verbal contract and the written amendments i signed up to give me a legal basis to claim. or am i up the proverbial without a rowing implement!!

any advice most

MattN

try the CAB mate. They're usually pretty good at this sort of thing.

TopBanana

Surely the email is binding?

Gordo

The e-mail is binding - doesn't matter that their employee has left, he was still acting as their agent. Send them a clear note outlining what has happened together with a copy of the e-mail by recorded post, giving them 7 working days to respond or you will be pursuing legal action. check with CAB first but pretty sure you can get free or no win no fee representation on these.

Good luck
Gordo

gravelexpress

Thanks for the replies,
This looks favourable for me. I had sent all my written documentation the timesheets and the e-mail with a letter of claim. I gave them two weeks to respond with the possibility of legal action to follow.
I did honestly think we would reach a amicable settlement and then Mr Smartass agent basically told me I wasnt going to get a penny.
The whole thing really puts you on notice that many of these agents will do anything "to make the sale" including misleading the Contractors.

Jza

Sorry to hear that m8 - that sucks!

Do you not have ANY written correspondance at all from him?

Can't comment on the laws - just let this be a grim reminder to ALL CONTRACTORS to get everything sorted BEFORE heading off/starting a new contract.

Jza

TopBanana

Have you tried posting on the PCG forums?

gravelexpress

which forum is that Jlang could you post a link

carl

First you have to be a member of the PCG.

www.pcg.org.uk

Failing that you could post a question on the Usenet group uk.consultants