Agents take rights to heart

Although the commercial agents regulations have only been in force since earlier this year, agents are already enforcing their new rights.

A survey by City-based Fox Williams of 300 businesses using 3,400 agents found 11 per cent of those using agents faced a demand for commission before the principal has been paid by the customer.

Around 9 per cent of companies faced claims requiring the statutory period of notice of up to three months on termination.

More than 2.5 per cent of respondents had found agents claiming compensation on termination of the agency contract. The firm says this is the most controversial regulation.