Faxed contract from within EU

[SizeZero]

Hi from a longtime lurker/first poster.

I would like to ask those who have experienced working overseas whether a scanned and faxed contract of emplyoment (yes, it's for a permie role - quitting the UK contract scene) is binding in Law? Is it normal practice?

I have received via email a scanned contract signed by the HR manager of a large company based in the Netherlands (flew over for the interview so it's real enough ). As a contractor, this fax would have been good enough for me as it's easy enough to move on and should the work not materialise. However, when it concerns a permanent move and it will mean taking my family overseas to start a new life there, it's a whole lot more serious, hence I'd appreciate some feedback from people who've been there, done that, got the T-shirt.

[Captain Dispensable]

Probably best to get a signed copy posted to you if you're worried.

Maybe go over on your own initially, staying in hotel or temp accommodation till you suss it out before selling up and moving the whole family over.

A mate of mine upped sticks and went to Thailand for a permanent position (taking his girlfriend and kid with him). Only lasted a month or two before he was back as it "wasn't like he expected". Now he's moved to Oz and hasn't come back, he loves it so much. Tempted to go out there too if I could pass the immigration requirements!