Can they withdraw the job offer?

mamamia11

I applied for a job and had an interview, during which I enquired regarding overtime, and was told that overtime would probably be available. It was then suggested that I might be suitable for a more senior post, and I was later offered the more senior post by email. I replied that I was looking for a slightly higher salary, and this was agreed, and a formal job offer was sent by post. This offer said that I could be required to work overtime, but did not make it clear that this would be paid, and when I queried this I was told that overtime was not paid for this higher level of post. I would like the job, but want to explain that the change in overtime status was not made clear, and ask if they would consider a higher salary to compensate for this - my present job pays overtime. It would be good if they offered me more, but I am worried that they could say no and also withdraw the existing offer. Can they do this? I have handed in my notice at my present place of work.

TELLIT01

They can certainly withdraw the job offer, or terminate your employment during the first 2 years without any comeback.
To be honest there would appear to be fault on both sides here. Yours for not getting full details of the more senior post and its terms and conditions, and theirs for simply putting the offer of the senior post in an e-mail.
What you need to consider is how another request for a pay increase will be received by your potential employer. How does the £23k compare to your previous job inclusive of overtime? You aren't exactly in a strong negotiating position having handed in your notice at your current employer.

Torry_Quine

mamamia11 wrote: »

I applied for a job and had an interview, during which I enquired regarding overtime, and was told that overtime would probably be available. It was then suggested that I might be suitable for a more senior post, and I was later offered the more senior post by email. I replied that I was looking for a slightly higher salary, and this was agreed, and a formal job offer was sent by post. This offer said that I could be required to work overtime, but did not make it clear that this would be paid, and when I queried this I was told that overtime was not paid for this higher level of post. I would like the job, but want to explain that the change in overtime status was not made clear, and ask if they would consider a higher salary to compensate for this - my present job pays overtime. It would be good if they offered me more, but I am worried that they could say no and also withdraw the existing offer. Can they do this? I have handed in my notice at my present place of work.

I presume that you have an actual start date as you've handed in your notice, surely this means you have accepted the job as it stands and it's too late to negotiate?

mamamia11

They have given me a start date in the formal job offer, but I have not yet signed and returned.

I would be earning a little more than I am now including my overtime, but will be spending more on travelling.

McKneff

They can withdraw the offer right up to the moment before you put a foot in the premises door.


Good luck but don't push your luck any further.

Torry_Quine

mamamia11 wrote: »

They have given me a start date in the formal job offer, but I have not yet signed and returned.

I would be earning a little more than I am now including my overtime, but will be spending more on travelling.

Please tell me you haven't handed in your notice before accepting the new job formally! You really don't have any leeway in asking for different terms.

audigex

I'm with Torry Quine here - you've put yourself in a very tough position by handing your notice in without being sure that
a) You're happy with your new job's terms
b) You've got a signed contract for the new role.

Right now all you have is an offer. True you could be fired at any time by the new employer, but it's far less likely once you've agreed a contract (if nothing else, because it's considered fairly immoral/"not the done thing"). Right now your new employer probably doesn't even realise you've handed your notice in, and would think very little of withdrawing the offer.

My advice: get the new job secured as fast as possible, and take the hit on the overtime. Higher level positions tend to work in a "tit for tat" manner anyway, and a few extra hours here and there tend to be considered part of the higher level role.

Right now you're in a tricky situation, and I'd far rather secure the role than risk losing it entirely. You can always discuss overtime later: and they can't typically require it unless the contract specifically states so. They may not even ever ask you to do it, and you can discuss it at the time in a constructive manner.