Can a firm cancel your offer before your start?

Question

Hey guys,

I accepted recently an offer from a boutique/tier 2 company in europe to start as an analyst.

For various reasons, I asked to start in March which they accepted without issue. But given the current situation, I am worried that they may change their mind and cancel their offer at any time between now and march if their situation gets bad. On the legal side, I already signed my contract and everything but I'm not sure whether or not this covers me from getting "fired" before even starting.

So my question is : can my offer be cancelled? Can i do anything to prevent it?

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Firms often include clauses in offers that make them conditional - things like Force Majeur (e.g. COVID), red flags in the background check (i.e. you lied on your CV) and sometimes even more broader reasons would allow them to terminate the contract in those cases. Read the offer and contract carefully for these type of claues.

Do you have any reason to believe they would try to do so?

Answer 2

Hey,

If the contract is "unconditional" (i.e not subject to any checks, reference etc) & signed by both you and the employer, then its a legally binding contract of employment as per EU laws. A conditional offer can be withdrawn should you not meet any conditions laid out or if the market situation drastically changes and the role you were hired for is no longer alive. If not, it becomes a legal issue & you can sue.

I suggest you make yourself aware of the local employment laws in your country/region and keep in regular contact with the company and specially the manager who hired you.

All the best!

Answer 3

Hi,

As for MBBs - they would not do that. With Tier 2 it's a bit more complicated and I would be careful. Be ready at least that they might change the start date

Best

Answer 4

Hi there,

Unfortunately, the very blunt answer is yes they can cancel your offer. They could also delay your start date (like MBB did).

This happened to a lot of people in Q1/Q2 last year. There have to be unprecendented circumstances (i.e. force majeur triggers), but, as you know, we have seen that.

Like with anything in life, don't count your chickens before they hatch

Sorry to be so blunt! You should be ok BUT you should always hope for the best and plan for the best. March is a long way away...make sure you're doing something while you "wait".

Answer 5

Hello!

It´s tricky to tell you without knowing the company, since it can vary a lot. Do you want to share? In MBB for instance or Big4, almost impossible, if so they can push a bit the start date.

Hope it helps!

Answer 6

Hi there!

Honestly, they can, in cases when a candidate lied in a CV or if there are unexpected conditions.
I think that in your situation it is very unlikely because it seems like you agreed on all the details. I would recommend you to contact the HR manager and ask for all details.

Good luck!

Do you need any further help?

GB

Answer 7

Hi, I have never seen it from MBB. the only chance is to be postponed

Best

Antonello