Any experts on Employment Law?

[Chris123]

Almost 3 months ago, I got a new job with a local authority. Since then I have been working my notice at my current employer. As luck would have it, during this time my ideal job, working for a charity I have supported for many years came up (I wasn't job hunting, I just saw it on their website) - I applied for it and got it . :oops:

Unfortunately, I was due to start the LA job last monday and didn't get the contract for the charity job until the preceeding friday. I phoned the LA straight away on the friday, apologising profusely and explaining the reasons, and followed this with an e-mail and letter. The woman who I spoke to on the phone was very understanding, however I got a letter from them this morning, detailing their (understandable) disappointment and emphasising the costs they have incurred, and ending by saying that they had taken legal advice and wanted to point out that a legal contract existed between me and them.

I'm not sure if they are trying to scare me, but they are succeeding :( . I was planning to phone the legal helpline included with my home insurance later - does anyone know how reliable the advice I'm likely to get is? Other than that I am thinking of finding a solicitor to discuss things with.

I assume I could have just started work for them and handed my week's notice in on the first day and thus complied with the terms of the contract, but I didn't want to mess them around any more than I already had. My biggest worry is that they might contact my new employer.

All suggestions and advice gratefully received.

Chris

[Chris123]

Well the concensus (buildings insurance and contents insurance :)) seems to be to sit tight for now, and see if they wiush to pursue things further.

Here's hoping they don't...

Cheers

Chris

[Piippy]

Mate, I've recently been made redundant from a large bank 'Who who we do.....' (nuff said):D and learnt quite a bit from it. I would STRONGLY suggest you contact the CAB, citizens advice bureau, they were great for me although I did seek independent advice from a solicitor on it. Have you actually signed any contract or was it just a verbal? :bounce3: Sounds to me like a bit of a Jobsworfffffff!!:banana:

[HIGHLANDER]

I've had this happen a few times when I've been looking to employ staff, at the end of the day (frustrating as it is) for the employer there is really nothing to be gained by the prospective employer going legal, my companies lawyers have always advised against pursuing costs & to just put it sown to experience, personally I would sit tight.

On the other hand you could allways call their bluff & inform them that you have reconsidered & wish to start with them (nobody wants someone viewed as unreliable working for them) & then resign on day 1, going sick for the rest of the week.

[Bambi]

The LA shouldn't contact your new employer as you have not asked for a referece from them.
Citizens advice is the best place to ask. You can find them on the internet as well at www.citizensadvice.org
Try them I have checked thing out from time to time and even been able to help a friend with the advice given.

[Bambi]

Sorry link is wrong it SHOULD be
www.citizensadvice.org.uk

[Chris123]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I've had a look at the CAB website and tracked down my local branch - if the LA do decide take things further, I'll pop in and see them.

TBH, I don't blame them for feeling peeved, but when my dream job came up I just had to take it.

Cheers

Chris

[QBee]

As far as im aware, as long as you didnt sign a contract, and never started, and therefore were never put on to their payroll etc, they cant really do anything. As long as your contract of employment hadnt started, you arent breaching it.

I work in a jobcentre, and we work quite closely with the CAB so i will see if i can pick afew people's brains about it and get back to you :)

[Chris123]

Thanks QBee,

I had signed a contract, so it's more a case of whether they wish to pursue it. As Highlander has said, most companies wouldn't - time will tell.

Cheers

Chris

[stuart30]

Thanks QBee,

I had signed a contract, so it's more a case of whether they wish to pursue it.


Personaly id take the job..turn up day 1 and assuming its a female boss,just make a couple of simple comments such as ""Is it just me or does your **** look huge in that"" ""Oh i see you didnt bother shaving today"" or maybe if its a fella ""Ahh now i remember where ive seen you before....the photo on your wifes bed side table"" ""Fancy doing a line in the gents""

Im sure any or all of the above would have you shown the door very quickly....:D :D

[QBee]

haha, and if you take stuarts advice, can you also arrange to take a video camera with you so we can see?!

[Funkster]

BBC2 would be very interested, alternative comedy and all that....