Accepting more than one graduate job offer while waiting for SC clearance.

badgord

I have accepted (in writing) a graduate job offer with a defense contractor that is conditional on me obtaining UK gov SC clearance, which still hasn't come through. I decided to continue job seeking in case I failed my clearance, and I have just received a much more attractive unconditional offer from a firm in a different industry.
Does anybody have any experience of backing out of a job offer during security clearance or any advice on possible legal repercussions?
Both jobs have start dates in 4-5 months time.
Thanks for your help.

TELLIT01

You are entitled to change your mind at any time and withdraw your application, just as the employer can do the same with the job offer. No legal repercussions that I am aware of. It might be polite to advise the defense contractor so they don't waste any more time and money on your clearance, but only do that if you are certain you don't want the job.