AFAIK you should be able to get your money from the recruitment agency. If they have charged the client a higher rate this includes their cut and your wages. As

AFAIK you should be able to get your money from the recruitment agency. If they have charged the client a higher rate this includes their cut and your wages. As you said you did not sign anything with the recruitment agency as such you did not breach your contract. Contact the recruitment agency, explain the situation and ask how you obtain payment for the services you have rendered. If they have received their cut it should be an administration process to pay you. The more reputable the organisation the easier it will be. A small boutique agency will find it easier to lose the money on their accounts whereas a larger legitimate agency will need to account for that most eye at some point. Call the agency first nd plan from there.