Job offer withdrawn after contract signed

donkey oatey

My gf was due to start a new job next Monday. The employer just rang to say that there was a problem with her references and they withdrew the offer. They wouldn't say what the problem was.

She worked for one referee for over 5 years and knows it would have been glowing. Her present employer promoted her within 2 months of starting and again it would be a growing reference.

She has offered alternative referees but they aren't budging. Is this legal? Is there anything she can do?

Thanks

chunkylover4

Has she got a copy of the contract?

donkey oatey wrote: »

My gf was due to start a new job next Monday. The employer just rang to say that there was a problem with her references and they withdrew the offer. They wouldn't say what the problem was.

She worked for one referee for over 5 years and knows it would have been glowing. Her present employer promoted her within 2 months of starting and again it would be a growing reference.

She has offered alternative referees but they aren't budging. Is this legal? Is there anything she can do?

Thanks

ohnonotgmail

donkey oatey wrote: »

My gf was due to start a new job next Monday. The employer just rang to say that there was a problem with her references and they withdrew the offer. They wouldn't say what the problem was.

She worked for one referee for over 5 years and knows it would have been glowing. Her present employer promoted her within 2 months of starting and again it would be a growing reference.

She has offered alternative referees but they aren't budging. Is this legal? Is there anything she can do?

Thanks

not really. offers are usually subject to references and even if not then she can be let go within the first 13 weeks with no reason required.

Mrs OBumble

Totally legal. Probation lasts 12 months.

MarkAnthony

The reason would be something she could get from a data protection request I imagine. I'm open to correction.

Stheno

MarkAnthony wrote: »

The reason would be something she could get from a data protection request I imagine. I'm open to correction.

Verbal references over the phone?

MarkAnthony

Stheno wrote: »

Verbal references over the phone?

You tell me. As I said open to correction but if there is data held on me I'd assume I'd have a right to it. Anything over the phone is verbal until it's written down, I presume a reputable employer would record the reason a job offer was withdrawn.

Manach

Just wondering if the scenario was that the OP's gf had either left current employment or had some other financial cost associated with taking up to the offered job (moved for example) would there be any remedies under contract law (not employment as the contract had not been signed) for the withdrawl of the contract?

Stheno

MarkAnthony wrote: »

You tell me. As I said open to correction but if there is data held on me I'd assume I'd have a right to it. Anything over the phone is verbal until it's written down, I presume a reputable employer would record the reason a job offer was withdrawn.

I've seen it done where verbal references resulted in a box called references suitable ticked no with no further info.

No comeback there.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

MarkAnthony

Fred Swanson wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

Wont know unless it's asked for. It's suprising what gets written down and what gets sent out regardless.

donkey oatey

Thank you for all the speedy replies even though it looks like there's not much to be done.

Unfortunately her present employer has already offered her job to someone else so she's out of a job totally. Now to find out if social welfare sees this as her quitting do will she be without any income for ages /till she finds a new job.

MarkAnthony

Had she given notice before getting the other job confirmed? Well lesson learned.

Generally the SW officers have a bit of discretion, they're usually quite happy to apply that discretion especially where you're the one in ten person they don't see on a regular basis.

JohnBee

View from an employer: hiring someone is extremely difficult. Remember, your employer genuinely want someone who they will like to see very day potentially forever, and will be good at the job. It is hard to determine this with interviews/references/CVs etc. Sometimes something just doesnt sit right with the employer which gives them itchy feet at the last moment. It might be something unsaid in the reference, or a verbal cue from the interviewee upon contract discussions.

Either way I think the best thing for your gf to do in this case is to contact the interviewer, and request nicely for reasons as to why job offer was rescinded to help her with future job applications. I would readily respond to such a request, and it might be beneficial to improve future applications.