Contract signed but now no longer wish to take up the job

[teeflow]

Hi All,

I've signed and returned a contract which I'm due to start in 3 weeks but now no longer want to take up the contract. Is the contract in force yet or is it only enforceable when I start the work? Can I still pull out of the contract? If so, anyone know of possible legal ramifications?
I'd be grateful for any and all opinions or tales of experience.
Thanks all.

[stek]

Yes, no, yes, agent bollocking.

[Zero Liability]

Does the contract have any provisions covering this?

[SueEllen]

Tell the agent something has happened so you can't do the role.

The client doesn't want a contractor who doesn't want to be there, so however much tulip the agency threatens you with remember that.

[kingcook]

Give 4 weeks notice to terminate the contract (assuming you have 4 weeks notice).

This will mean that you'll have to do work for the 1st week. Explain that you'd be more than happy to not work for that week if not required.

[Zero Liability]

Give 4 weeks notice to terminate the contract (assuming you have 4 weeks notice).

This will mean that you'll have to do work for the 1st week. Explain that you'd be more than happy to not work for that week if not required.

4 weeks should also be adequate to avoid the agency charging PILON if that has been written in the contract. Like SueEllen said, the end client will more likely than not be willing to waive the notice period and accept the termination of the engagement if the contractor doesn't want to be there.

The agency might complain even if a contract hadn't been signed, which has happened to me.

[GB9]

Many contracts have a clause saying that if either party withdraws prior to the start date then the contract is voided.

[psychocandy]

4 weeks should also be adequate to avoid the agency charging PILON if that has been written in the contract. Like SueEllen said, the end client will more likely than not be willing to waive the notice period and accept the termination of the engagement if the contractor doesn't want to be there.

The agency might complain even if a contract hadn't been signed, which has happened to me.

PILON? Never heard of agency actually being able to charge that....