Signed Job Contract - Pulling Out

tomgibson

Hello,

I have accepted a job offer with a company as my current position is under threat of redundancy and I didn't want to be left unemployed. It is still a month before I am due to start that position though.

I thought it was my only offer however I've just been invited to an interview at a job which I would much prefer and I wondered what my rights were if I were to get it and then accept it.

I would hate to let the other company down but presumably, in theory, if I were to get this other job and really wanted to do it, I could give the notice required on the other position even if it was before I formally started that job?

Hope that makes sense - would appreciate advice from people here!

Thank you.

marydot

Go to the interview and see what the outcome is, If you dont get that job,you still have the other offer, but as you have signed a contract I am not sure what your rights are, as you have not started working for them yet, just a signature thats all. Consider yourself lucky as there are not many people that have many options at the moment job wise.

But do think of yourself and choose what is best for you.

kunekune

The only remedy available to an employer for breach of contract is damages, they cannot force you to work for them. They MIGHT try to pursue you for the costs of re-advertising so quickly, but might not, depending on whether the legal advice was that this was going to cost more than they'd recover (and it probably would do).

tomgibson

Thanks very much for both your comments - I appreciate them. And yes, I know I'm in a lucky position.