Job offer - advice needed please

Ariotofmyown

Was looking for some advice please regards the decision I should make regards a job offer I received today and queries regards the details in it

Currently working as an Ops Manager, was approached by another company regards a slightly larger role within their business, verbal offer made which I asked to be sent through in writing, received today.

First set of queries around job offer, I was told verbally that my working hours would be 8 until 5 but written job offer said I would be working 45 hours per week, surely this isn't the same thing? This would suggest that I don't get any breaks whatsoever or is this my misunderstanding

Second point is that I have been asked to confirm a start date but in the past I have been sent an employment contract first before I have handed my notice in, should I insist on this before I do anything? I currently have an email from the HR Manager stating salary, holidays, working hours but not as a formal contact which I have to sign and return.

Regards the offer itself I am looking for some advice please as am really undecided :-

Both companies similar sizes
Virtually one mile difference commute between the two
Proposed role slightly larger, 15% pay rise plus 8% guaranteed bonus in first years after 12 months service (current employer introducing bonus scheme this year)
However proposed new role has 5 days less holidays a year than current and no pension scheme (losing about 2% contributions)

I asked about the holidays entitlement today and was told that there's no movement, and told them I would gather any questions and come back after the weekend.

All other benefits appear the same I just need to ask about paid sick pay which wasn't mentioned in the email

Any thoughts please would be gratefully received

gettingtheresometime

Does it state something like hours of working are normally 9 to 5.30pm? If it does then I would have expected it also to say something like there's 30 mins unpaid lunch break.

Personally I've never handed my resignation until the job offer has been confirmed once references have been received & accepted.

Ariotofmyown

gettingtheresometime wrote: »

Does it state something like hours of working are normally 9 to 5.30pm? If it does then I would have expected it also to say something like there's 30 mins unpaid lunch break.

Personally I've never handed my resignation until the job offer has been confirmed once references have been received & accepted.

It doesn't no, the email just said you will be working 45 hours a week when I spoke to the hiring manager earlier she said it would be 8 until 5.

It making me slightly nervous as when I mentioned this the hiring manager basically said don't get hung up on the contracted hours as in a job at this level overtime is expected as it's a 24 hour business which to be fair is the standard caveat in any contract by saying a reasonable amount of overtime will be expected

I just would have expected then to issue me when a proper contract not an email and also I don't understand is 45 hours a week inclusive of breaks - if not then my hours will be 8 until 6 which I would be reticent to agree to

jonnygee2

Regards the offer itself I am looking for some advice please as am really undecided :-

Both companies similar sizes

Personally I would also consider whether each company is growing, standing or shrinking. What are their plans for the future and do they seem well managed (at the top levels)?

You should ask about them about the working hours and whether they include breaks. 45 hours is high for contracted hours.

jonnygee2

It making me slightly nervous as when I mentioned this the hiring manager basically said don't get hung up on the contracted hours as in a job at this level overtime is expected

Okay, you have asked!

I'd be unhappy with this response frankly. Yes you might have to work overtime. But the point is if the contract says 45 then that means if you do less than that you are in breach of the contract. So essentially, I think you have to be prepared to work the whole 45 hours if you are going to sign this.

Alongside the drop in pension contribution and fewer holidays, it's not looking that promising to me. Base salary isn't everything.

marlot

Ariotofmyown wrote: »

...I was told verbally that my working hours would be 8 until 5 but written job offer said I would be working 45 hours per week,...

I had a job offer which said 45 hours a week - but it included a paid lunch break. When I moved onto a 40 hour week but no paid lunch, it was the same hours.

Ariotofmyown

marlot wrote: »

I had a job offer which said 45 hours a week - but it included a paid lunch break. When I moved onto a 40 hour week but no paid lunch, it was the same hours.

This is what I don't understand - so are saying that effectively if I am contracted to work 45 hours a week but I get an hour's paid lunch time I effectively am only working 40 hours a week

But if I am contracted to work 40 hours a week but don't get a paid lunch break then I am only working 40 hours per week?

Isn't it better I just ask then to clarify this (which is annoying me now as surely they should have stipulated this in the email originally or again do I wait for an proper contract before accepting then resigning)

Ariotofmyown

jonnygee2 wrote: »

Personally I would also consider whether each company is growing, standing or shrinking. What are their plans for the future and do they seem well managed (at the top levels)?

You should ask about them about the working hours and whether they include breaks. 45 hours is high for contracted hours.

Both companies are growing so is again a difficult one, I wasn't actively looking but was approached by the other company. My motivator to leave would be that my career path and personal development isn't growing as fast as the business which is why a lot of people have also left recently

My only concern would be that there would be little point moving to the same situation for virtually the same remuneration

Ariotofmyown

jonnygee2 wrote: »

Okay, you have asked!

I'd be unhappy with this response frankly. Yes you might have to work overtime. But the point is if the contract says 45 then that means if you do less than that you are in breach of the contract. So essentially, I think you have to be prepared to work the whole 45 hours if you are going to sign this.

Alongside the drop in pension contribution and fewer holidays, it's not looking that promising to me. Base salary isn't everything.

Yes agreed it wasn't the best answer I wanted to hear but at least they were honest.

I currently work 40 hours per week with an hours lunchbreak i.e. 8 until 5 so see little point in doing 10% more hours for 10% more pay

Savvy_Sue

Ariotofmyown wrote: »

no pension scheme (losing about 2% contributions)

What do you mean? They MUST offer auto-enrolment!

Dox

Ariotofmyown wrote: »

However proposed new role has 5 days less holidays a year than current and no pension scheme (losing about 2% contributions)

Offering a pension scheme isn't optional. Ask them to confirm what they offer under auto-enrolment regulations.