Comments on: Is a UK employment contract legally binding if you have not yet started the job?

By: jory

jory — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:13:59 +0000

If you have signed a contract it is a binding document and fully enforceable in law.
In this case you say your start date is a month away, if your notice period is one month or less activate it.
Providing your prospective employer hasn’t incurred any expenses in recruiting you, the matter should end.
Acting correctly may inspire the prospective employer to improve his offer to you.
References :

By: stormydays

stormydays — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:28:59 +0000

The worse that could happen is the employer took a claim against you for a breach of contract

But he wont

(unless your james bond of something and your the only spy left in the world).

I would suggest though that out of respect and courtesy give them as much notice as possible because the less hassell caused would keep you in their files should you require empolyment with them in the future
References :

By: wonderingstar

wonderingstar — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 07:42:59 +0000

have a look around this site.
http://direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/index.htm
References :

By: smedrik

smedrik — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 06:55:59 +0000

A contract is enforceable the moment it is signed. You should review your exit clause and give the appropriate amount of notice to "leave" your position as per the contract.
References :

By: fftlandmcrfan

fftlandmcrfan — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 06:05:59 +0000

most contracts have a cooling off period sorry for lack of techinical terms lol and in this time from after signing you are allowed to change your mind. Look into it all contracts are diffrent
References :

By: i_ate_sponge_bob

i_ate_sponge_bob — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 05:52:59 +0000

If you let them know now you will be unable to start with them there should be nothing they can do as you are giving well over the notice period you would have to give if you had already started with the company. The only penalties that could occur is if the company has given you any training they could seek to recover the cost of that, but thats about it!
References :