New job withdrew their offer 10 days before I was due to start

HelpPlease2017

Hi, Id really love some advice please re: a terrible situation.

I work in the finance industry in Dublin. A couple of months back I was approached by a Swiss recruiter regarding a role in Switzerland. It was a role for a well known company and I was a perfect fit for the job description. I interviewed twice (one phone interview, one skype interview) and was eventually offered the job which I was thrilled with.

I was due to start on Monday 18th September. I gave my current employer notice, I also gave my landlord notice of my intention to leave my current apartment, and I also arranged accomodation in Switzerland with a deposit and first month rent in excess of €6,000 combined paid.

On Thursday, the company contacted me to let me know that the role they had offered me was no longer available. They gave no further information on why despite my persistent questioning. The lady in HR sounded very sympathetic, but would not expand on why the role was gone. Just to confirm, I had signed my contract, been given an employee ID and everything.

I've tried speaking to them, but they are either avoiding me or just not interested in communicating in any detail.

I now have a whole host of problems -

1. My current job have already offered my role to someone else who is due to start in the next few weeks, so there is no headcount available for me to return to my previous/current employer. I'm out of a job here now.

2. People have already viewed and agreed to move in to my current apartment. My landlord says there is nothing she can do as they have signed a lease and I submitted my notice ages ago.

3. My prospective landlord in Switzerland has said he will return my deposit, but will not return my first months rent as the apartment will remain vacant through "no fault of his". He said if someone does take it within the next month, he will return the correct proportion.

The people in the above points all have valid stances I feel, but it's no help to me and leaves my life in ruins.

I now have no job. I have no home. I have 1 week to find a new place to live, but even if I do find somewhere, I'm broke. I have no money until I get my deposit back which is unlikely to happen this week. I don't get my last paycheck from my current job until the end of the month. I'm absolutely terrified because I've never been in this position before.

I feel like my life has fallen to tatters all because of this Swiss company pulling their offer. I don't know who to turn to, I don't know if I have any legal recourse or what steps I should even take.

I would desperately appreciate any advice please!

amcalester

What is the notice period on your new contract? I'd be expecting to get paid that at least.

Hollister11

I have no advice, but I hope you sue the **** out of them.

They have effectively turned your life upside down.

Although I have to question your financial situation. Have you not been building up savings in the event you need money, and are unemployed?

Hollister11

Mr.S wrote: »

Usually for less then a year employment it's only a week's notice on the employers side, so you're not going to get that much if you can even get them to listen to you.

OP - that's truly ****. No idea if you have any legal recourse. Perhaps post on https://www.englishforum.ch/forum.php which is the Swiss version of boards.ie. If it's like Ireland though, you have very little rights under 1 year and they can cancel the contract for whatever reason.

If it was me, I'd look for another job in Switzerland as you have the apartment sorted and are all set to move.

I'd get on contact with the recruiter and see if there are any other jobs in the same city, or can they put you in contact with another recruiter. Also get on Linkedin and start searching like mad.

Wtf? Hardly what OP needs to hear.

Chill out :cool:

Maybe it's exactly what he needs to here. It's a ****ty situation, and I feel for him. But you need savings in the event something (although nothing like this) happens. If OP saved 30 a week for the last year, they would have 1500 to tied them over.

Sin City

Hollister11 wrote: »

Chill out :cool:

Maybe it's exactly what he needs to here. It's a ****ty situation, and I feel for him. But you need savings in the event something (although nothing like this) happens. If OP saved 30 a week for the last year, they would have 1500 to tied them over.

Only works if you have enough disposbale income at the end of the week

OP Im sorry to hear about that. Sounds like a right kick in the proverbial

Hope you find something

Tazium

Op that's a horrible situation and I'm sure you feel upside down.  Rescinding a job offer is tough for any company and more so once it's been accepted.  You'll need some better advice but it appears that you could have a case.


"Even if the offer was not explicitly provided as an employment contract and clearly stated that it was for at-will employment, the offer may be construed as a "promise." The legal concept of "promissory estoppel" specifically protects parties who suffer harm when such a promise is made and broken, even if no formal contract has been agreed to. In some cases, rescinding the offer could cost you more in damages than the salary you offered!
For example: - If the candidate moved to another location to accept the position, and the accepted offer is withdrawn, then the candidate may seek damages and penalties in civil court. - If the candidate provided their notice of resignation to their current employer and cannot withdraw the resignation, then the candidate could lose that job, their benefits, and other career-related opportunities such as seniority or promotion. You may be liable for both current and future damages."

ED E

Is there any chance that they found something from your past thats turned them sour to you? Strange to do it so late and give no reason whatsoever.

HelpPlease2017

amcalester wrote: »

What is the notice period on your new contract? I'd be expecting to get paid that at least.

Hollister11 wrote: »

I have no advice, but I hope you sue the **** out of them.

They have effectively turned your life upside down.

Although I have to question your financial situation. Have you not been building up savings in the event you need money, and are unemployed?

Hollister11 wrote: »

Chill out :cool:

Maybe it's exactly what he needs to here. It's a ****ty situation, and I feel for him. But you need savings in the event something (although nothing like this) happens. If OP saved 30 a week for the last year, they would have 1500 to tied them over.

I don't have a huge income but I save what little I can. I had close to €10k in savings at the start of last year but I had a medical issue that cost me everything. I had to take out a loan as the savings weren't enough to cover it!

The last 18 months have been paying off that loan (which is thankfully cleared now) and saving what I can spare so I thought i did quite well to get to where I was at.

I feel stupid for putting all my eggs in one basket, but it was a combination of my dream job, an exotic location, and a salary (and tax rate) that would allow me to save in 1 year what would take me 3 years to save in Ireland. It seemed like a no brainer!

HelpPlease2017

Tazium wrote: »

Op that's a horrible situation and I'm sure you feel upside down.  Rescinding a job offer is tough for any company and more so once it's been accepted.  You'll need some better advice but it appears that you could have a case.


"Even if the offer was not explicitly provided as an employment contract and clearly stated that it was for at-will employment, the offer may be construed as a "promise." The legal concept of "promissory estoppel" specifically protects parties who suffer harm when such a promise is made and broken, even if no formal contract has been agreed to. In some cases, rescinding the offer could cost you more in damages than the salary you offered!
For example: - If the candidate moved to another location to accept the position, and the accepted offer is withdrawn, then the candidate may seek damages and penalties in civil court. - If the candidate provided their notice of resignation to their current employer and cannot withdraw the resignation, then the candidate could lose that job, their benefits, and other career-related opportunities such as seniority or promotion. You may be liable for both current and future damages."

Thanks! Can i ask where you got that from as I'd like to read more?

HelpPlease2017

ED E wrote: »

Is there any chance that they found something from your past thats turned them sour to you? Strange to do it so late and give no reason whatsoever.

I doubt it. I've had no legal issues. I was up front about my medical issues while applying (which are 100% in the past) and they had no issue with that when they made me an offer. Reference checks came back well too - these were checked before they made the offer too so I honestly have no idea why they've withdrawn it. Even if they gave me a reason it would be some bit of closure! As it is, I'm in the dark and have the most horrible sinking feeling in my chest since it's become apparent that it's not something I can talk them out of (or even talk to them about at all!)

Lux23

Hollister11 wrote: »

I have no advice, but I hope you sue the **** out of them.

They have effectively turned your life upside down.

Although I have to question your financial situation. Have you not been building up savings in the event you need money, and are unemployed?

I bet you live with your parents.

BetsyEllen

HelpPlease2017 wrote: »

I don't have a huge income but I save what little I can. I had close to €10k in savings at the start of last year but I had a medical issue that cost me everything. I had to take out a loan as the savings weren't enough to cover it!

The last 18 months have been paying off that loan (which is thankfully cleared now) and saving what I can spare so I thought i did quite well to get to where I was at.

I feel stupid for putting all my eggs in one basket, but it was a combination of my dream job, an exotic location, and a salary (and tax rate) that would allow me to save in 1 year what would take me 3 years to save in Ireland. It seemed like a no brainer!

You don't need to explain your finances, the comment made by the previous poster about savings wasn't relevant and I don't understand why the it was even made.

You hardly put all your eggs in one basket, any of us here who were offered a dream job would have also handed in our notice and told out LL we were off, you done the normal thing. You have been treated very badly and are in no way in the wrong.

I have no advice to offer but I really hope you get sorted, I am very sorry for your situation.

ED E

HelpPlease2017 wrote: »

I doubt it. I've had no legal issues. I was up front about my medical issues while applying (which are 100% in the past) and they had no issue with that when they made me an offer. Reference checks came back well too - these were checked before they made the offer too so I honestly have no idea why they've withdrawn it. Even if they gave me a reason it would be some bit of closure! As it is, I'm in the dark and have the most horrible sinking feeling in my chest since it's become apparent that it's not something I can talk them out of (or even talk to them about at all!)

Is your social media locked down (Set to friends only) ?

Tazium

HelpPlease2017 wrote: »

Thanks! Can i ask where you got that from as I'd like to read more?

Picked it from here - link

gaz wac

HelpPlease2017 wrote: »

Thanks! Can i ask where you got that from as I'd like to read more?

That might be from the US. Different country, different laws...you will have to check local laws out. sorry to hear your situation...horrible position to be in.

Dial Hard

Lux23 wrote:

I bet you live with your parents.

He does. And is in college. And doesn't work.

So not exactly in a position to be wagging his finger at the OP.

callaway92

Lux23 wrote: »

I bet you live with your parents.

Just look at the history of threads he has created/posts he's made. So odd and questionable online persona

ED E

Mr.S wrote: »

Anyone would have done the same

+1. Its not like you jumped the gun and moved based on a provisional offer or something.

Markcheese

HelpPlease2017 wrote:

I feel stupid for putting all my eggs in one basket, but it was a combination of my dream job, an exotic location, and a salary (and tax rate) that would allow me to save in 1 year what would take me 3 years to save in Ireland. It seemed like a no brainer!

For one you weren't stupid.. An apparently great chance came up and you took it, it's not your fault that they've dicked you about... If you never try anything you'll never do anything..
. . Step one - don't panic -
Have you friends or family here you can stay with for a week or 2..?
. Two.. Have a look at the area you were going to live in.. Are there other jobs there that you could get...? (even if not the dream job)
. . Do the same for here as a plan b,

Three, send a nasty letter to both company and recruitment firm.. Outlining your legal action, especially if the récruiter is in Ireland.. If you've a friend who's a solicitor ask them, if not think about paying a solicitor to do it.. 😀
Good luck..

amcalester

Mr.S wrote: »

Usually for less then a year employment it's only a week's notice on the employers side, so you're not going to get that much if you can even get them to listen to you.

That's the minimum, they may have written a longer notice period into the contract.

Admittedly this is grasping at straws but still worth the OP reading the contract and checking.

Lead

Can you even stay with family or friends while you look for a new job?

bennyineire

Is it an option to go to Switzerland anyway.
It would be much easier to get interviews for a job in Switzerland if you are there and in that industry I'm sure you won't have too long of a wait.

Take a chance and go over for a few months, if it doesn't work out come home and start again.

Maybe you dodged a bullet and it might be best in the long run, if a company treats people like this before they even start a job what would they be like if you actually worked for them.

Hollister11

Lux23 wrote: »

I bet you live with your parents.

Dial Hard wrote: »

He does. And is in college. And doesn't work.

So not exactly in a position to be wagging his finger at the OP.

I do live at home yes. I'm 21 and in college.

FYI i do work. Summers, and Saturdays landscaping. I pay my college fees, transport, socializing out of this, and guess what i also SAVE.

I have enough put away that I can pay for my expenses if my work dries up for an extended period.

MusSpo13

HelpPlease2017 wrote: »

I don't have a huge income but I save what little I can. I had close to €10k in savings at the start of last year but I had a medical issue that cost me everything. I had to take out a loan as the savings weren't enough to cover it!

The last 18 months have been paying off that loan (which is thankfully cleared now) and saving what I can spare so I thought i did quite well to get to where I was at.

I feel stupid for putting all my eggs in one basket, but it was a combination of my dream job, an exotic location, and a salary (and tax rate) that would allow me to save in 1 year what would take me 3 years to save in Ireland. It seemed like a no brainer!

Firstly, you're not stupid. You done what the majority of others would do, you had a great opportunity and you took it. Also you don't need to justify what you do with your money.

I can't offer you a lot of advice but if you have any friends/family working in HR or in a legal firm ask them if they can help or give you some advice. Citizens information may also be able to provide you with some information.

Like some other people have said you could consider moving as you have an apartment and looking for work over there.

I know you must feel bad right now but try to stay positive, you got offered this job so you will get other job offers and in the long run this could work out for the best. I hope things work out well for you.

Hollister11

callaway92 wrote: »

Just look at the history of threads he has created/posts he's made. So odd and questionable online persona

You have previous questioning my posts/thread.

Please point out what posts and threads are "odd and questionable".

Galadriel

Hollister11 wrote: »

You have previous questioning my posts/thread.

Please point out what posts and threads are "odd and questionable".

Well saying the OP had no savings for one, he handed out 6k for his new home in Switzerland.

dev100

Could you talk to the Swiss landlord and maybe see if you can stay for the month to check for new jobs over there ? If that wasn't an option id be going over to stay in a hostel or air b&b and dealing direct with local recruiters.

Had you any agreement with the new company as in put of pocket moving expenses ? Even if the job is gone etc id be appealing to them you signed a contract in good faith and you've incurred expenses and these need to be recouped ....

I'd be looking at local jobs also as a back up measure. Have you family friends you can bunk in with as a temp measure ?

Pelvis

Hollister11 wrote: »

I have enough put away that I can pay for my expenses if my work dries up for an extended period.

It's easy to pay your expenses when your expenses are €0.00.

Hollister11

Pelvis wrote: »

It's easy to pay your expenses when your expenses are €0.00.

Yes I have no expenses.

Get a life.

Guy:Incognito

Not sure what it could be but are you 100% sure the job was legit and not some form of scam?

Did you find the landlord yourself or did the job give you the details?

Again, it'd seem awfull elaborate for a scam involving a couple to months rent but you have to check every angle.

Stheno

Mod

Hollister11 do not post in this thread again.

Everyone else, get back on topic and post only if you have something helpful to post in relation to the ops problem.

enricoh

Can you email them your opening post and ask them for recompense?
If asking nicely doesnt work, tell them as soon you gain employment you will be posting your experience with them online. If I was based in eg london and was thinking of relocating and read what you posted, that'd be the end of the relocation.
My mate works with a big fund in Ireland and was saying they pay off the deadwood instead of sacking them. As the last thing the want is court cases , media reporting etc. Basically anything that portrays them in a negative light _ even if they are 100% in the right.

Aim high with the figure and good luck!

brightspark

Happened to me once before, fortunately I was able to keep my old job for a few more weeks until something else turned up.

In my case the company were told by their parent company to have a total 'hiring freeze". The H.R. Manager told me it was the hardest thing he had to do...a few months later I heard the company closed.

I didn't bother trying to sue etc., the company could have hired me for a day, then just said its not working out bye!

OP you have already decided to leave your existing company, it's probably better to just move on.

Subacio

I know it seems like the end of the world right now but you have to think positive and maybe one day you will look back at the narrow escape you had.

Something similar happened to me 10 years ago. I was offered a job by a property developer and then never heard from him again.

He subsequently faked his own kidnapping and was prosecuted for wasting Garda time.

gallifreya

As I guess this is a Swiss contract, I am not on familiar ground. However, unless there was a clause or term providing for a withdrawal of the offer, I still suggest that contract law usually follows the same general guidelines and spirit. You say it’s a well known company in the finance sector and I assume you are happy that the offer was genuine and you had checked out the bone fides.

So you had a contract. Offer and acceptance in good faith. This company is in breach of the contract and you are at a significant loss due to the breach.

I understand you had a defined start date (in writing?) and they withdrew the offer just a week shy of that. Did they ever correspond with you in relation to your relocation or give you any advice/support in finding local accommodation? I am looking to find some supporting indicators of certain employment.

I think it's worth a shot at some financial compensation. Would you consider writing and explaining officially that while their circumstances may have changed, your acceptance of their contract set in motion a chain of events and their subsequent withdrawal at the eleventh hour has damaged you financially? Outline your expenses to date (with supporting documentation) and highlight that there will be future losses that cannot be defined until you find alternative employment and accommodation. Ask for a compensation proposal and be direct about it. Then seek legal advice. Assuming this was through no fault of your own and providing the offer wasn’t rescinded due to the financial ill health of the company, I really would hope you get some compensation for your losses. Regardless, whether you do or not, this was a dreadful way to be treated and best of luck finding a new job.

sham58107

Not much advice, hope all works out. Did you actually speak to your old/current employer, maybe they have something to tide you over, seems strange no face to face interview.

Maybe as others have said go to Switzerland and when there make a personal call to landlord AND company, always better face to face.

Good luck.

Tigger

Op ; what the contract say

Tigger

Also there is a lad on here called Angus Von Bismarck who is a big shot in Switzerland
Maybe pm him and see if he can help

exaisle

I think you need to seek legal advice from a firm that has associates in Switzerland. I could give my opinion but best to hear it from a competent professional.

I hope things work out well for you. After this, you deserve it.

Riesen_Meal

Tigger wrote: »

Also there is a lad on here called Angus Von Bismarck who is a big shot in Switzerland
Maybe pm him and see if he can help

Isn't he not just a fantastic troll?

Tigger

Fieldog wrote: »

Isn't he not just a fantastic troll?

I Donno
Imagine if he isn't and he gets the op a job in Switzerland
A guy on motors got his car stolen and they bought him a car last month
Boards is still awesome somethimes

irishmoss

You say you were approached by a recruiter, are they Irish? I find it strange you only did a phone and skype interview. This is usually followed up by an interview in person. You do mention they are well known so I presume you have researched them enough to prove they are who they say they are?

cml387

TBH I wouldn't put too much faith in the legal route.
The cost of hiring legal in Switzerland is probably astronomical and you get what at the end? Some compensation?

The Swiss have a very clever model, happy to employ foreigners but refuse them any hope of permanent status so that they can turf them out if there's a downturn.

Try to beg for your old job back.

whatnext

Have a look at Glassdoor to see if this has happened to others. If their employer reviews look managed the likelihood is that they are. If they don't offer to make good on your tangible losses and some compensation, even a goodwill jesture I'd feel obliged to leave a review stating the facts. It's not as if you would be burning any bridges.

Big companies are really starting to value their employer image.

DuffleBag

OP, just out of interest, was it on Linkedin you were approached originally for this one? Received a similar one from a RH recruiter not too long ago and seemed fishy

Blazer

I think if everyone reads the Ops original post they might see these lines

"It was a role for a well known company" and that the company contacted him.
Its very easy to ascertain whether this was a scam or not and I assume the op did due diligence before taking the offer.

B.A._Baracus

Terrible situation to be in.
Look op that's horrible but what's done is done. It's all about moving on and trying to put this behind you now. It's the only advice that could help.

As soon as you finish up in this job go down to the social immediately. Giving that you were working you won't be means started at the start.

For accommodation even ask your parents or family to crash at theirs for a few weeks. Maybe even a good friend. If this isn't an option consider staying at a hostel.

Any chance of getting a loan too?

But good on you for sharing your story. I for one will always be cautious of jobs in other countries now as I'm sure other people in this thread will.

irishmoss

Blazer wrote: »

I think if everyone reads the Ops original post they might see these lines

"It was a role for a well known company" and that the company contacted him.
Its very easy to ascertain whether this was a scam or not and I assume the op did due diligence before taking the offer.

He says he was approached by a Swiss recruiter and the job was for a well known company. So it's not clear who did the interviewing.
I'm also curious how the Op arranged his accommodation? Did he fly to Switzerland?

This is a horrible horrible situation to be in but if the company is a well known company I really don't think if they'did what is claimed would risk tarnishing their name in such a way.

I hate Joe Duffy's show but I would ring in with this story if the company did indeed behave in such a way.

CeilingFly

I think the OP is making it all up as too many things just don't add up.

1 - Recruiters don't act like this - too easy for negative reviews to go around.

2 - Large finacial houses donl;t act like this - again, too easy to put reviews about.

3 - If OP was truly in the finance indutry and was targeted for a move to switzerland, they'd be back in emp;loyment very quickly in Dublin due to a massive shortage of financial staff.

4 - OP says savings were spent on a medical issue. Surely any half decent finance company would ahve had a health insurance plan?

5 - The OP is written in very similar style to many other trolling posts that appear regularly by a specific troll.

daheff

CeilingFly wrote: »

I think the OP is making it all up as too many things just don't add up.

1 - Recruiters don't act like this - too easy for negative reviews to go around.

2 - Large finacial houses donl;t act like this - again, too easy to put reviews about.

They sure do. Sometimes plans change. roles are cut/moved to different locations.

CeilingFly wrote: »

3 - If OP was truly in the finance indutry and was targeted for a move to switzerland, they'd be back in emp;loyment very quickly in Dublin due to a massive shortage of financial staff.

Where is this massive shortage you speak of.

Yes there are jobs going...but i'd hardly call it a massive shortage.

CeilingFly wrote: »

4 - OP says savings were spent on a medical issue. Surely any half decent finance company would ahve had a health insurance plan?

I hope you dont ever need to call on your health insurance plan. They dont cover half of what you think they do.
for example, I dislocated my thumb this year. I have a good health plan with VHI. Ended up going private to have it looked at. I've spent 1K+ so far (with more to come) and about half of it was covered by VHI (they dont cover the MRI interestingly enough). And thats for a minor injury. I wouldnt like to think what a major illness would end up costing.

daheff

OP

What area of finance do you work in? Feel free to PM me if you prefer.


I hope you have talked with as many recruiters as you can since you got the bad news?

My advice would be to take the first job thats offered and then keep looking for the right job.