Backing out of accepted job offer?

SallyBRFC

Hey everyone!

I'm in a bit of a pickle. I apologise if this comes across as stupid - I know I'm in a priveledged position at the minute with people struggling to find jobs.

I'm in a company that I really like working for, however got a call about a job on more money. I asked in work about a payrise, and got told no.

I had an interview with company 2, and subsequently got offered the role. I haven't signed a contract, however I have signed a "job acceptance letter" and returned this to other company.

Since putting my notice in in my current job, they've come back and offered a payrise, however I've already accepted the other role and got a start date?

Can I back out of this? I know I haven't signed a contract as such, but they do have a piece of paper with my signature on saying I'd take the job.

I'd like to stay with my current employer as my boss has been supportive of me, particularly when I was pregnant last year and kept my job open.

Any advice is appreciated as to how I can get out of the offer with company 2?

Thank you
Sally

getmore4less

So your company won't give a pay rise till you tell them you are leaving thats how much they really think of you.

Remember thats the last pay rise you will see for sme time.

Tell them you want more first see if they will go higher.

To answer the question.

You can withdraw from any job at any time so just tell them you have changed your mind.

SallyBRFC

Thank you getmore4less!

I know it's the last one I'll see for a while, but I'm happy in my job, they're understand with my childcare needs etc. I'm just worried because I've signed something to say I'd take the job at company 2, and if they'd pursue it as a legal matter

getmore4less

What can they do, at most sue you for lack of notice but that would be limited to actual losses, but as you have not started I doubt there is a proper contract in place yet.

Even if you gave notice(what was it) it would mean even if you started it would only be a few days at most.

Most companies will just get on with life and find someone else to do the job.

BTW was the offer unconditional.

The worst is you have a black mark with the company and others involved in getting you the job.

Some extra information(above about the contract may be wrong) but your notice is relevent
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/employment/employees/employmentcontractsandconditions/dg_10027905

SallyBRFC

It said "subject to references" but they haven't persued this with my current employer. I haven't had any contract through or anything, literally just a letter saying they want to offer me the position, can I sign and return the form to say I'd take it (which I have done)

getmore4less

So they could have dropped out at any time.

It is not good idea to resign before you have the unconditional offer.

InsideInsurance

I personally would argue that by resigning you have burnt your bridges with your current employer and that you should move on to pastures new.

Known too many that resign having/claiming more money elsewhere and subsequently been offered a payrise. Never seen any either treated well afterwards (after all you've shown your colours) or stick around for long (you'll always get more money by moving than staying)

sujman

InsideInsurance wrote: »

I personally would argue that by resigning you have burnt your bridges with your current employer and that you should move on to pastures new.

Known too many that resign having/claiming more money elsewhere and subsequently been offered a payrise. Never seen any either treated well afterwards (after all you've shown your colours) or stick around for long (you'll always get more money by moving than staying)

You can avoid these pitfalls by carefuly managing the situation with your current employer and also the new company and hopefully not burn any bridges.

I had a similar seniario over the last year. About a year ago, I had a review and basically put in a good case for a pay rise / increase in benefits. It was (politely) rejected.

Six months after that, I had a job offer from a new company. I had a inclination that my current company would make a counter offer if I played my cards right.

I rang up my boss and basically told him I loved the company and the people I work with, I was not looking to move but was headhunted.

Whilst I would really want to stay, the new company's offer would allow me to achieve certain "financial goals" due to the increased pay offer and as a result, allow me to increase the quality of life I could enjoy with my family.

My boss really appreciated everything I said, said he knew I was comitted but that I also had to consider my personal financial goals etc. He asked me to leave it with him and he'd see what he could do.

In short, he came back with a range of improvements which was equivalent to a 30% increase, blowing the new companies offer out by a factor of 3. I accepted the counter offer.

As for the new company, I basically said the same thing but in reverse. i.e. I was really excited to join but my current employer put together an unbeatable counter offer. The new company could not match it, they understood and said they'd like to keep my details on file, so that is more senior roles became vacant, they would consider me.

This was all 6 months ago. I dont think its impacted me at all, my relationship with my boss actually feels a lot more improved and as for future pay rises, this event shouldn't have dampned any claims for more pay, if it is justified etc.

Sambucus_Nigra

SallyBRFC wrote: »

Any advice is appreciated as to how I can get out of the offer with company 2?

When are you due to start?

SallyBRFC

Hi Sambucus Nigra - it's the 2nd week in June. Its for a family run firm but on more money than my current employer, but I do like it where I am. My boss was there for me alot last year , as she'd been in a similar position herself.

Work know I like my job and want to stay, its jjust I've accepted the other now

Sambucus_Nigra

SallyBRFC wrote: »

Hi Sambucus Nigra - it's the 2nd week in June. Its for a family run firm but on more money than my current employer, but I do like it where I am. My boss was there for me alot last year , as she'd been in a similar position herself.

Work know I like my job and want to stay, its jjust I've accepted the other now

So if you tell them now you are within a month's notice anyway. Stop worrying and tell them.