Can I un-accept a contract?

[northernladuk]

Often true yes!

But this IS my dream company. For a million reasons. And contractors tend to stay a long time there. Lots of friends working there. I know how good it is. I also have a lot of respect for what they do. Huge fan of their work.

You realize as a contractor you could be there for, well as long as the notice period is <cough> and you are back on the bench never to work for them again. Staying for a long time, particularly when you don't know how contracts work is going to be a massive IR35 flag as well?

[SlipTheJab]

Often true yes!

But this IS my dream company. For a million reasons. And contractors tend to stay a long time there. Lots of friends working there. I know how good it is. I also have a lot of respect for what they do. Huge fan of their work.

Then go my son, fly like the wind

Seriously though tell the original place you've changed your mind, no one wants someone who doesn't want to be there and it won't get Legal, you will burn that bridge though but if this other offer is as good as you say...

[Contractingcontractor]

FTFY.

I assume, once they've done their checks, that an actual contract will be supplied, not just the modern equivalent of a handshake between gentlemen?

Yes, that's correct.

[Contractingcontractor]

You realize as a contractor you could be there for, well as long as the notice period is <cough> and you are back on the bench never to work for them again. Staying for a long time, particularly when you don't know how contracts work is going to be a massive IR35 flag as well?

I think it's worth it. Even if only for 4 weeks. The contacts I'd make there would be amazing. It is likely to lead to all sorts of opportunities - opportunities I've wanted my whole life. I don't exaggerate.

I do know how contracts work. Been contracting for a long time. Just used the wrong word in my hurry to post. Should have written - Can I un-accept an OFFER...

Could it get legal though? That's the question. And do I un-accept WHILE they're still doing checks, or wait until I actually get an offer from the dream company?

So far I've been offered the job for every interview I've ever gone for, but that just means the odds are I'll mess up on this one.

[northernladuk]

I think it's worth it. Even if only for 4 weeks. The contacts I'd make there would be amazing. It is likely to lead to all sorts of opportunities - opportunities I've wanted my whole life. I don't exaggerate.

I think you do....

[gables]

I think it's worth it. Even if only for 4 weeks. The contacts I'd make there would be amazing. It is likely to lead to all sorts of opportunities - opportunities I've wanted my whole life. I don't exaggerate.

I do know how contracts work. Been contracting for a long time. Just used the wrong word in my hurry to post. Should have written - Can I un-accept an OFFER...

Could it get legal though? That's the question. And do I un-accept WHILE they're still doing checks, or wait until I actually get an offer from the dream company?

So far I've been offered the job for every interview I've ever gone for, but that just means the odds are I'll mess up on this one.

I'd wait, if you un-accept the offer then not get the dream job you've nothing. If the checks are completed and you get a contract, you then send that off to get reviewed buying yourself a bit more time to see if the dream job comes through.

[gables]

I think you do....

Quite probably or there'll be a massive wake up call.

[Contractingcontractor]

Quite probably or there'll be a massive wake up call.

Like i said this is a company where they do amazing things I've witnessed first hand. I also have friends that work there, who would gladly introduce me to people.

Great rate, although not as high as the other company that gave me a job offer.

My only concern in this is around any potential legal issues.

But sounds like confirming acceptance of an offer and start date via email, subject to checks, is not legally binding.

[Contractingcontractor]

I'd wait, if you un-accept the offer then not get the dream job you've nothing. If the checks are completed and you get a contract, you then send that off to get reviewed buying yourself a bit more time to see if the dream job comes through.

Thanks for the advice, btw. Really appreciate how quickly people have responded. Excellent forum.

[b0redom]

I'd wait, if you un-accept the offer subject to them checking you out then not get the dream job you've nothing. If the checks are completed and you get a contract, you then send that off to get reviewed buying yourself a bit more time to see if the dream job comes through.

FTFY. He has no formal offer/contract. He has the offer of work subject to some nebulous checks. TBH, given that I'd probably still be following up on other stuff.