Job offer in writing but no job

linthouse

My sister recently was offered a job in writing so handed in her notice at her current employer. She was messed about for a few days then told the job no longer existed. I've heard that she can only claim one week's wages from the "new" employer as this is all the notice she would have to be given if she had started the job. Is this right? It seems irresponsible of an employer to encourage someone to leave a job then abandon them.

Uncertain

The short answer is yes I'm afraid.

Obviously if her job offer / contract specified more notice than this then she would be entitled to whatever was agreed.

The problem is that there is no employment protection against unfair dismissal (apart from discrimination and a handful of other protected areas) for two years. They could therefore have let her start then sacked her for no reason on the first day.

It is possible to protect yourself agains this if the firm will agree to special contractual terms but this only normally happens in a head hunted situation and not when simply applying for a "normal" job.

linthouse

Ah, right. That's unfortunate. Thatnks for the help.

marybelle01

I understood that if statutory notice applies and the job offer is withdrawn before someone starts work then they are not entitled to claim any notice, since statutory notice is nil for the first month.