Contract

[frankied]

I'm about to start a new contract tomorrow (Friday) for 2 months. However I have just found out that another job that I thought was dead and buried in the water wants to see me for an interview, I have dealt with this client in the past and stand a very good chance of getting this contract.

The contract for 2 months has no opt out clause in it, I haven't signed anything yet, still waiting to receive it in the post.

What implications will there be if I default on my 2 month contract, I am going to hold off and not sign anything until I find out for sure about the other contract job.

Many thanks
frankied

[Lucifer Box]

None really, if you haven't signed the contract or started work*. If you actually start work, you are deemed to have accepted the contract T&Cs regardless of whether you've signed it or not. If you back off, both the client and the agent will hate you, so don't expect any favours from them if you ever meet them in the future. The agent will likely have a complete screaming fit and tell you he/she is putting you on a blacklist and you'll never work in this country again. That's just complete bollox so don't sweat about it.

Stall 'em with some nonsense (wife suddently taken ill, unexpected funeral to attend overseas), don't start work, check out the score with the other contract, pick the best one. Easy peasy.

*In theory, an oral agreement can be binding, but this is so difficult to prove no one is going to bother suing you over it (besides, it would be pretty tricky to demonstrate any financial loss has taken place).

[BlasterBates]

Difficult one as you have agreed verbally. Personally I keep my word and strictly legally you are bound by a verbal agreement, but as Lucifer says it is difficult to prove, so the legal implications are minimal.

If you string them on too long and the client has to go through a new recruitment process, your name will be mud, with the client and the agent (they probably won´t touch you again). If you immediately change your mind and tell them I don´t see a problem, as no costs incurred, contract drawn up etc etc, client can offer to another candidate.