Temp assignments
Three months should be the limit. All agencies I know of have a limit of three months before an employer can hire without an extra fee. Also, three months would be the waiting time ot start gaining benefits. If you are at a point to be hired, be sure to have them retro your hire date and benefits commencement.
Also, I would like to mention that I believe the law is still in effect that employers may be subject to litigation if they keep employees longer than one year. Perhaps, an expert at Monster.com can help, but I believe this came about because a very large (and nameless) computer company was keeping their people as temps for years to avoid paying benefits.
If the company you are working at is not moving forward, go to another agency (or several) and register. You may not want to say anything to your current agency. They will for sure mention it to the employer and it may lead to termination and the agency won't place you elsewhere.
Best of luck!
Thanks for the insight, I have been on this temp assignment for over 9 months in I'm for sure that there's no chance of me being hired because the work I'm doing is being outsourced.
Thanks, I thought the same thing because they should know if they want to hire you after 90 days.
It seems like the writing is on the wall. You need to take care of yourself. The agency is probably aware that the job is winding down and won't tell you. The company surely knows. If there is someone at the company to whom you have been confiding, perhaps you can ask if they can give you a letter of recommendation. You just want to be prepared because you know the position is winding down. I would NOT tell anyone there you are looking elsewhere.
Try going to several other agencies to register. Be sure you indicate you are looking for long term. You do not want to be pulled from this only to work one week. You can tell them you are currently working temporary but the position is winding down and your agency has not given you any other information on additional assignments available in your field at this time. If they ask the name of the agency, it's up to you to disclose. However, you can tell them that they have been good to you but you don't want to compromise your position at this time and prefer not to reveal it until you have been placed elsewhere.
Just the fact that you have been there for 9 months will be a plus for you with the newer agency.
Best of luck!