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Accepting a job then changing your mind

A colleague of mine accepted a job offer 2 months ago and is currently working their (3 month) notice period, so will be joining the new place in the middle of next month.
However they are now having second thoughts about whether they want to work at the new place.

Are there any legal implications of backing out of an accepted job offer? Obviously they're aware that they might be burning their bridges with the new company, but it would be good to know if the company has any legal comeback or not - my colleague doesn't want to be sued!

TIA

Comments

  • princessdon
    princessdon Posts: 6,902 Forumite
    Happens all the time - Have they signed their new contract?

    Best to speak honestly to the current employers before making any decision though.
  • pawsies
    pawsies Posts: 1,957 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker I've been Money Tipped!
    If they don't go then where will they work? Seeing as they still have a month left notice period they can't assume the old job will take them back? The old job might have started advertising and have a new candidate lined up so it's a big risk to back out now? You need to ask the current employers as to whether they could stay on.
  • sweaty_betty
    sweaty_betty Posts: 1,337 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Xmas Saver!
    Thanks for your comments.
    The current employer is trying to get them to stay, so problem about not having a job!
  • princessdon
    princessdon Posts: 6,902 Forumite
    No contract signed - stuff em!

    I have appox 30% of new starts that don't start - part of business. Do what is right for you
  • patman99
    patman99 Posts: 8,532 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Photogenic
    Yes, but as the person has agreed a start-date with their new employers, this can be treated as a contract.
    The new employers may well bill the person for the costs involved in re-advertising the vacancy and interviewing more potential applicants.
    Never Knowingly Understood.

    Member #1 of £1,000 challenge - £13.74/ £1000 (that's 1.374%)

    3-6 month EF £0/£3600 (that's 0 days worth)

  • MissSarah1972
    MissSarah1972 Posts: 1,648 Forumite
    patman99 wrote: »
    Yes, but as the person has agreed a start-date with their new employers, this can be treated as a contract.
    The new employers may well bill the person for the costs involved in re-advertising the vacancy and interviewing more potential applicants.
    When its on the other foot there is nothing the employee can do if an offer is retracted. They can't sue for loss of earnings.
  • sweaty_betty
    sweaty_betty Posts: 1,337 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Xmas Saver!
    patman99 wrote: »
    Yes, but as the person has agreed a start-date with their new employers, this can be treated as a contract.
    The new employers may well bill the person for the costs involved in re-advertising the vacancy and interviewing more potential applicants.

    Yes, I was wondering about this. How often do you think it would happen?
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