Earlier quoted context omitted.
I don't think I ever signed an agency contract without heavily adjusting some clauses. I would simply state I can't sign as is. The only times I got pushback (rare) an annotated letter from accountant or PCG (now IPSE I think) contract review and the agency buckled. I also demanded proof that the agency-client contract matched on IR35 terms. Was never once caught by it. Does the agent want to lose commission? Does th…
When I was a freelancer changing the contract was a good way to gauge the level of respect you are receiving. If they say "take it or leave it" or "don't worry about it. It's in the contract but never causes problems" or "this is policy" the client doesn't respect you as a business partner and you will get problems later on. A good client will engage in discussion as long as your changes are not frivolous.
It ended up being the best freelance experience I've had and I would recommend working for them with no hesitation.
OTOH, I've signed "take it or leave it" contracts, and it ended up being a soul-sucking corporate drone kind of affair.