I've signed up with a three supply agencies but my experience means I'm quite expensive, the agencies know this and should be marketing me as such. The school I interviewed at today definitely know this I am experienced but expensive.
I had an interview today, the agency told me the rate beforehand. Fair enough. It was for a 0.6 job although I would like full time, when I spoke to the HOD at interview I said I would like full time and she said she thought they could do this. The school offered me the job but the agency has come back to ask if I would do it on a reduced rate. But it was the agency who decided the rate, not me!
The school are reluctant to pay the rate quoted by the agency, though I don't know why they hadn't had this discussion beforehand.
The agency said 'if we get you 4 days a week would you do it for £10 less a day? I think we can get you a permanent contract.'
My response was 'I'll do it for £10 less a day for 5 days a week'.
The agency said 'will you do it for £20 less for 5 days a week?'.
I said 'try £10 less a day for 5 days a week and a permanent contract, then come back to me'.
My real bugbear is that having being told by the agency that it would be x amount I shouldn't behaving to horse trade with them.
I'm fortunate in that I teach a shortage subject so I have other interviews lined up.
I assume the higher rate would eat into their commission?
Should I stick to my guns on this one?