Back to work worries

Unless you have signed a contract (you may be bound by conditions) then just tell them you've changed your mind. How would they be any the wiser?

I'm not sure, Tanith, but I'm getting myself into a bit of a state about it all!
I think I've lost confidence: can't seem to make a decision.
I did sign a lot of paperwork whilst at the agency, but haven't committed to any of the training or anything.

You can cancel the Agency process as they don't have to "buy" you out of the process unless you have taken up a position with them for a specific period of time,and I would check if it only applies if the Company they place you with are the people who want you on a permanent basis (so they don't have to pay Agency fees) does that make sense ?? This happened to my son a few years ago and he decided to work for another company instead of the Agency.

I get what you're saying, glamma.
I suppose I should have held back, but with the job market how it is, I thought I should have irons in a few fires.
So, if I got sent to cover a job, and decided to apply for a permanent position, then they would have to buy me from the agency, I think?

Even if you are contracted to an agency, there must be a notice period, and in theory you could work for them whilst the checks on your old job go through. People usually sign with an agency if they want to be flexible and keep their options open,

If you have not accepted any work or money from them you should be able to phone them and say you have changed your mind, you do not need to give a reason.

Well done for getting an offer from your previous job, I have only ever known an agency be able to claim payment when a worker converts from agency to a permanent post using the agency as an introduction.

In care work it is not unusual for people to change agencies and employers so don't worry and good luck.

Thanks everyone,
I think I just needed reassurance, I'm sure I can sort it out: just a bit scared by it all!

Have you got the bits of paper you signed? - or copies? Perhaps you could go through them with a fine tooth comb to find out what the conditions are.

I think the easiest thing would be to contact them, thank them for their help and say your circumstances have changed and you want to deregister.

I'd be inclined to tell the agency the truth. Good luck.

No, I haven't got any of the paperwork, luckygirl.
I should maybe speak to my ex boss about it. She is very 'driven' and will know how to sort it out.

I would be very suspicious of any agency who had me signing documents but didn't give me copies of them to take away.

I would ask the agency for copies of all these documents, whether you stay with them or leave and then do as Luckygirl recommends.

You cannot be tied to working for any organisation unless you have signed a specific contract to do a specific job for a specific period and even when a worker has decided to leave a contract before the due period I have never heard of the employer they have gone to having to buy them out. What made you think money would be involved MisAdventure?

I'm sure it happens, Monica, but possibly I'm wrong.
I always believed that if you found a full time job by temping with an agency, then the new employer had to pay to release you.
Oh well, it sounds a bit far fetched now!

You are right Miss Adventure. When I was working, if we had a temp from an agency who then took up permanent employment with us, we had to pay the agency a fee depending on the length of time they had been with us - the longer, the smaller the fee. This applied for a specified time after they finished with us as well. However, if they found themselves a job, without placement by the agency, the agency can't charge a fee.

Good luck with your return to work.

Thank you Heather
I've just been on the phone to my last boss, and she confirmed it too
Have to phone the agency now and see if I'm signed into anything I can't get out of. Scared!

If you haven't signed any contracts or received any money I do not think the Agency has any claim on you.

Grab your old boss' offer with both hands. You know them, they know you. What an easy way to get back on to the job market. I would not hesitate, but you must remember to contact the agency so they can take you off their books.

I managed an agency for many years MissAdventure and can absolutely assure you that the agency does not own you!! They didn't put you forward for your old job, your old employer did. Please don't worry. Just ring the agency and tell them. It happens all the time and they will be used to it. Just be pleasant, which I'm sure you will be, as you don't know if you will need them in the future.

settlement.org/ontario/employment/find-a-job/employment-agencies/what-are-my-rights-if-i-work-through-a-temporary-agency/

Might be informative?

Phew!
Just phoned the agency, and they were absolutely fine about it.
Thank you so much, ladies, for your input.
I really have lost confidence since giving up work, I never used to be such a mouse!

You're going to be fine now. You made that phone call. As someone who often puts off phone calls I don't want to make, I do understand that underconfident 'I don't want to do it' feeling!
Enjoy the new/old job! ?

Once you get back to work, especially in a job you are familiar with, it will feel as if you had never been away.

Glad you made the call. MissAdventure. I know how you feel about going back to work after being away for some time. I was off work ill for six months and terrified to go back, as I had lost all my confidence. Within a couple of days, I felt as if I had never been away. I hope all works out for you. You deserve it after taking care of your late mum.

Good for you misadventure, all good wishes for the future

Well Done misadventure. !
ENJOY YOUR NEW LIFE

Well done! So brave! Good luck with your new job!

Hello ladies,
I thought I would just let you know that I have an interview on Friday
I feel a bit of a fraud, really, because my pushy ex boss has manoeuvred things very much in my favour.
She has also told me that the interview is just a formality, etc.
So, watch this space!
Thank you very much for answering my original query. I really was feeling quite wretched and unable to cope. you all helped no end.