[robmcm]

I always used agents over 3.5 years and never had any problems.

They are sales people though, and obviously there are bad ones. However they are providing a service to you, (and their client), often contractors that go direct are on a worse rate, get paid a lot less frequently (3 months after each month, vs weekly in some cases) and have to deal with tedious internal HR processes.

Some times after you get used to the industry you have enough contacts to go direct, but initially an agent can really help you out.

[brc]

Yes, use them by all means - it's very difficult to get started unless you do. But don't trust them. Don't take their word for anything.