Contract Signed - Possible Penalties?

digitalsystem

I hope this is in the right section and apologies if it is not...

I am currently about to complete a post grad in manufacturing in Ireland as a mature student and as part of the course there is a three month work experience program for summer 2014. I went off and applied to load of different companies and found a company to take me on and signed a contract with them for the work experience (this occurred in December 2013). I was delighted to get the opportunity and was looking forward to it.

Last month, another company I had previously applied to called me up asking was I still interested in work experience. I said I was (I wanted to do the interview to see what my options were and also to make some contacts in industry because at the end of the work experience program I would be looking for full time work). I went to the interview and explained my situation (that I already had placement but wanted to do the interview) and after the interview I was offered a full time position with them. I took a day to think about it and said I would take the full time job.

IMO both companies would be similar in terms of the work but the full time job offer was a game changer. I have signed a contract for the full time job so now I have to go and cancel the work experience.

The reason I am posting here is because I just want to check with people that may have been in a similar situation, other than a slightly awkward conversation on my end, is there anything the first company can do in terms of enforcing the contract? My own belief is that they can't but just want to see other peoples opinions

danthefan

I don't think so, if you'd actually worked with them they possibly could withhold pay for not giving them proper notice but if you've been offered a FT position you'd be mad not to take it. Go back to the first company, explain, try to keep it on as good terms as possible.

blindsider

Tell them ASAP - like on Monday morning. Be really nice and tell them how much you appreciated the opportunity they offered. Can you suggest a GOOD replacement candidate, in case they need one?

You may come across the people or company in 5 yrs time - make friends, not enemies. (Not suggesting/implying you'd do anything silly.)

digitalsystem

Thanks for the advice guys. Yes, I will call them Monday and explain the situation, like you said you never know when I might need them again

mcgragger

You are under no obligation to the 1st company, this is about courtesy really.

Was the experience going to be paid?

digitalsystem

Yes it was, slightly more than the min wage. I was very happy to get it as I got a lot of negative responses from other companies aswell