nursing agency insist on exclusivity...can they do that?

[Dinker]

Hi
To set the scene, Im an agency nurse struggling to get as many 'hours' as possible. Child care commitments mean that im only available to work 3 days per week, so if something comes up then im game.

The problem.
I used to work for agency A, but the work dried up so i found agency B. All was bliss till work started slowing up from agency B and i was re-contacted by agency A (who were now swamped with work). Fine I'll work for both i thought...

Agency A said: "sure no problem, work for who you like, we'll just check for availability with as much notice as poss "

Agency B said: "work for anyone else and we wont give you any more work. we will know if you have worked for another agency by checking your tax details, so dont even think about it "

I'd like to be in a position where i could walk away from such meaness, but im not.

So i have 2 questions

1. Are there any employment laws protecting me from agency B's exclusivity clause?

1. Could they (agency B) really tell if i'd worked for agency A?

hope i havent made this simple problem seem more convoluted than it is.

Thanks in advance

Dinker

Message withdrawn

Thanks giraffski,
Can't work on hospital bank as then I can't work at the hospital for the agency (beter money)

have a look at this
The DTI have a helpline you can ring
I think Agency B is talking rubbish
If you have your main tax code with them then I don't see how they can find out if you are getting work anywhere else

Thanks for that link, Blonde.
Will try them tomorrow.
I do wonder if Agency B can find out if I'm working for someone else.