How to buy yourself out of your agency contract

I have been working through an agency for 18 months and was asked would I be willing to entertain being made permanent. Sadly for the company involved I politely declined.

However, I was offered the facility to bill directly rather than through my agency.

This is good news for me, as it mean more money (as no money is taken out by the middle man). My only moral dilemma was this agency placed me and I fell I owe them - As i was previously unemployed.

It seem that the company involved will look to arrange buying me out of my week to week contract. It came to light that my week to week contract has a buy out clause of over £4000! this can not be legally fair or right - as the contract only lasts for one! and I don't earn anything close to £4000 a week.

Anyway I will post further news regarding this and how to buy yourself out of your week to week freelance contract.