Accepted contract by email but then turn it down.

**BlasterBates** · 12 April 2013, 16:40

Strictly speaking a contract doesn´t have to be signed it can be agreed on the phone, so technically you are in breach of contract.....but if you agreed earlier today it shouldn´t be a problem. As long as the "B" candidate is around nobody will be bothered.

In future though bear in mind that a verbal or e-mail acceptance is acceptance, so if you are waiting on another better opportunity ask for time to think about it, or even better ignore the e-mail for a while and then get on the blower to the other agent. It´s better to view the point at which you agree on the phone as the point at which the contract is agreed, not as a further intermediate step on the recruitment process.

**garethevans1986** · 12 April 2013, 17:18

Thank you for your reply BlasterBates.

OK, we're going to see how this pans out I think.

GE

**northernladuk** · 12 April 2013, 18:11

Originally posted by BlasterBates View Post

Strictly speaking a contract doesn´t have to be signed it can be agreed on the phone, so technically you are in breach of contract.....but if you agreed earlier today it shouldn´t be a problem. As long as the "B" candidate is around nobody will be bothered.

The legalities are pretty irrelevant as they will never come to bear. Phone, mail, signed in blood, it doesn't matter as it will never go legal. Your problem is that you have given the agent the perception you are taking it and he as acted on that. In theory it shouldn't be a problem but the agent will likely make a song and dance about it and could try threaten you with all sorts. You made him work more so he is gonna be pissed. Take what he says and let him calm down and all will work out ok.

In future though bear in mind that a verbal or e-mail acceptance is acceptance, so if you are waiting on another better opportunity ask for time to think about it, or even better ignore the e-mail for a while and then get on the blower to the other agent. It´s better to view the point at which you agree on the phone as the point at which the contract is agreed, not as a further intermediate step on the recruitment process.

+1 to this. Tell them you accept subject to contract review and tell them it will take x days to get it reviewed. That will give you some breathing space if you need it and then turn it down after that. If the agent has made firm arrangements with the client then it's his fault... but even if you do this you may still have to put up with a pissed off agent for awhile but that will be the worst of it.

**garethevans1986** · 12 April 2013, 18:17

I "accepted" by email on Tuesday/Wednesday, I've got the contract through (not even read it yet) but not heard from the agent since.

I told the agent at the time that I would need to get the contract reviewed before signing it - plus he knows I'm on holiday next week as my current contract finished today. This contract wasn't due to start until the 22nd.

GE

**Andy Hallett** · 12 April 2013, 19:01

Re: Accepted contract by email but then turn it down.

If there are any agents out there with a 26 year old contractor called Gareth Evans due to start Monday week, I think your weekend has just been ruined.

**garethevans1986** · 12 April 2013, 19:03

*makes note - change username*

**GB9** · 12 April 2013, 19:06

Originally posted by Andy Hallett View Post

If there are any agents out there with a 26 year old contractor called Gareth Evans due to start Monday week, I think your weekend has just been ruined.

You missed his age and the possibility that he is Welsh!

**garethevans1986** · 12 April 2013, 19:27

And Mental Age!

**cojak** · 12 April 2013, 19:40

Originally posted by garethevans1986 View Post

I "accepted" by email on Tuesday/Wednesday, I've got the contract through (not even read it yet) but not heard from the agent since.

I told the agent at the time that I would need to get the contract reviewed before signing it - plus he knows I'm on holiday next week as my current contract finished today. This contract wasn't due to start until the 22nd.

GE

You accepted without seeing the contract but now you want to get out of it??

You don't really care about being professional - why should we?

Accepted contract by email but then turn it down.