Is a UK employment contract legally binding if you have not yet started the job?

I have signed a UK contract of employment, my start date is one month away.





The problem being that I have been offered a much better job elsewhere and now no longer wish to start with the company.





I would like to know what, if any penalties can be enforced and if I can revoke the contract successfully?

Is a UK employment contract legally binding if you have not yet started the job?
have a look around this site.


http://direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/index...
Reply:most contracts have a cooling off period sorry for lack of techinical terms lol and in this time from after signing you are allowed to change your mind. Look into it all contracts are diffrent
Reply:If you have signed a contract it is a binding document and fully enforceable in law.


In this case you say your start date is a month away, if your notice period is one month or less activate it.


Providing your prospective employer hasn't incurred any expenses in recruiting you, the matter should end.


Acting correctly may inspire the prospective employer to improve his offer to you.
Reply:A contract is enforceable the moment it is signed. You should review your exit clause and give the appropriate amount of notice to "leave" your position as per the contract.
Reply:If you let them know now you will be unable to start with them there should be nothing they can do as you are giving well over the notice period you would have to give if you had already started with the company.





The only penalties that could occur is if the company has given you any training they could seek to recover the cost of that, but thats about it!
Reply:The worse that could happen is the employer took a claim against you for a breach of contract





But he wont





(unless your james bond of something and your the only spy left in the world).





I would suggest though that out of respect and courtesy give them as much notice as possible because the less hassell caused would keep you in their files should you require empolyment with them in the future