New job - offer letter but no contract?

[FlavouredWaterTastesGrim]

I was offered a job last week, they sent the offer letter through which outline my salary, hours, notice period, all the main points of my terms of employment but no actual contract?

I've asked for a copy, but they don't seem to be sending it across. I'm just a bit worried about not seeing the finer t&c's of my employment contract before handing in my notice.

I've been told by the recruiting agency that this is normal practice. I've always received an offer letter along with contract though.

Am I being weird for feeling a bit uneasy about resigning before seeing the wider stipulations?

I have never had a contract before the first day, the offer letter is usually sufficient. To be fair I have never read a contract so it wouldn't bother me. Ask them directly if it is a concern.

It’s normal (but I agree it shouldn’t be!).

Personally I would always read and sign the contract before resigning from the previous role.

I have never had a contract before starting a new job.

I'm surprised others have said it's normal. I've always received the offer letter and contract before starting work. I was offered a new job last week, but I don't start until April and they've already sent the contract over to be signed. I'd be uneasy too OP. Maybe ring them and double check that they haven't forgotten/think they've already sent it?

It does seem bizzare that they won't send the contract, just an offer letter. The company is all about transparency so seems a bit strange they won't send.

It's my dream job so don't want to just pull out :(

It's not uncommon OP, we do this. I believe it's because working up the whole contract pack is relatively time consuming (compared to just sending an offer letter) and they send the letter first so that any disagreement about salary or terms can be ironed out before they produce the contact.

I've never had a contract in advance of my first day before.

If there are any terms you need clarity on such as sick pay entitlement, I'd ask for details of these.

But are you intending to potentially decline the role based on anything you don't already know?

Have they provided all of the information listed here?

www.gov.uk/employment-contracts-and-conditions/written-statement-of-employment-particulars

We always send a full contract with the offer letter as now it’s a legal right to have certain particulars by day one, whereas it used to be within two months of starting work.

In my industry (law) I’ve always been given a contract and offer letter together (going back 15-20 years now!)

And in my industry I wouldn’t resign without having a contract first, but that’s normal practice for lawyers.

Perhaps their HR department is slow (ours is - it would be a miracle if they issued a contract within a week). And maybe they're getting references?

It's completely normal (and wise) to ask for the contract before handing in your notice.

@MrsPinkCock Yes the offer letter is a shortened version of the written particulars. They are all definitely there.

I've asked twice and they've just not sent it, if they said they're snowed under I wouldn't be bothered. It's more the fact they're not acknowledging the request at all.

I don't necessarily need to see any particular conditions as such. It'll just be nice to be able to take a look before I join.

Try asking for the staff handbook or similar? That may well outline some key terms like standard holiday.