Dispute with Job agent

[employed]

I was shortlisted for a position recommended by a job agency and had agreed to start work on a stipulated date. On that day when I started work, I found that the work environment is not up to my expectation hence I did not sign the letter of employment and left the office around lunch time. Today I received a letter from the job agent threatening legal suit should I fail to compensate them administrative fee equivalent to my one month salary.

The contract signed with the Agency bears the following clauses:

Should you be sent for any interview with Agency?s clients and have agreed to take up a permanent or contract position with the client concerned whether verbally or in writing, you agree to work for at least 2 months from the first day of employment (notice period given by the candidate is excluded).

In the event of a breach of this clause, you agree to compensate Agency an administrative fees equivalent to one month of your basic salary. You also agree to compensate Agency an administrative fees equivalent to one of your basic salary if you decide to reject the permanent or contract position after agreeing to take up the position. If you fail to pay the one basic salary, Agency has the liberty to take the apporopriate legal actions against you. IN the event, you will be fully liable for all costs and damages incurred by Agency.

You will need to serve the notice period as stated in the employment contract issued by the client concerned should you resign.

I'm seeking any expert's advice: am I liable for the compensation when I did not sign the employment contract.?

[judg4]

If you specifically did not sign then you never agreed to those terms.

Normally you would not then be bound.