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What to do if…
a staffing agency changes your assignment end date with little explanation

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Get the new end date and current work instructions in writing, then protect your pay by saving rotas, messages, clock-in records, and timesheets. Do not argue the decision in the moment; focus first on clarity, pay, and access to documents.

Do not do these things

  • Do not stop turning up, logging on, or being available until you have clear written instruction about your last working day or shift.
  • Do not assume you have done something wrong, or apologise for a performance issue you have not been told about.
  • Do not sign new terms, a resignation, or a settlement while you are shocked; ask for time to read it.
  • Do not rely on phone calls alone; follow up each call with a short email or message confirming what was said.
  • Do not hand back equipment or lose access to passes, apps, email, or timesheet systems before saving your pay and rota evidence, where you can do that safely and lawfully.

What to do now

  1. Ask the agency for written confirmation today. Ask them to confirm:
    • the new last working day and time
    • whether you should attend, log on, or remain available for any remaining shifts
    • whether the change came from the hirer or the agency
    • the broad reason category, such as project ended, budget change, rota change, conduct concern, or performance concern
    • the timesheet cut-off, who approves it, and the pay date for your final pay period
    • what happens to holiday pay, expenses, and any deductions
  2. If you are told not to attend any more shifts, ask for one written sentence. For example: “Please confirm I should not attend work from [date/time].”
  3. Save your pay evidence now. Keep screenshots or copies of rotas, booked shifts, clock-in records, messages, submitted timesheets, approval emails, and any notice of the changed end date.
  4. Check the documents you already have. Look for your written terms, assignment details, pay rate, expected duration, location, hours, holiday pay information, deductions, and Key Information Document. If anything is missing, ask the agency to send it and keep a copy of your request.
  5. Ask the hirer only what you need to know for the next shift or timesheet. Keep it neutral: “Am I still expected in until [date], and who approves my timesheet?” Do not argue about the decision with the hirer in the moment.
  6. If hours or pay look wrong, raise it in writing straight away. Send the agency or payroll the dates, hours, location, supervisor or approver name, and any evidence you have.
  7. Ask for reassignment in writing. Say: “Please confirm I am available for a new assignment from [date]. What do you need from me, and how should I check in?”
  8. Escalate calmly if the basics are not sorted. Email a manager at the agency, not only your consultant, asking for the end date, final shift instructions, pay handling, holiday pay handling, and any missing documents.
  9. Keep time limits in mind without trying to solve everything today. For most employment tribunal claims, the time limit is 3 months minus 1 day from when the problem happened, but some claims differ and exact dates can be complicated. You usually need to notify Acas for early conciliation within the relevant time limit.
  10. If the agency withholds pay or has not provided required documents, check the official complaint route. The Fair Work Agency can investigate some recruitment agency complaints in England, Scotland, and Wales, including withheld pay and missing contract, Key Information Document, or written assignment details. If the agency is based in Northern Ireland, check the Northern Ireland route linked from the GOV.UK complaint page.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide today whether to quit the agency, bring a formal claim, or confront the hirer.
  • You do not need a perfect explanation right now; focus first on written confirmation, timesheets, pay, and reassignment steps.
  • Updating your CV, LinkedIn, or wider job-search plan can wait until you have stabilised your pay evidence and dates.
  • You do not need to write a long complaint today unless pay, documents, or access to the next shift are already a problem.

Important reassurance

A sudden agency assignment end-date change can happen for reasons unrelated to you, such as a budget change, project change, or client demand. Wanting clear written information and protecting your pay records is reasonable.

Scope note

These are first steps for the first hours or days after you are told. If pay, discrimination, contract status, dismissal, or immigration issues emerge, you may need specialist advice.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, financial, employment, immigration, therapeutic, or professional advice. Your exact rights and notice position depend on your employment status, your written terms, the assignment documents, and what actually happened.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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