Requesting a contract of employment

[Bellabutterfly2016]

So,
I've applied for a 6 months temping contract at a local council, they've emailed to offer me the position. All sounding ok.

I email the lady back to ask if I can see my contract (which I think is a perfectly reasonable request!) and the HR woman sends a very rude email "I wish to confirm that at this point in time we need to complete all pre-employment checks" and "we are not at contract stage"!

Am I missing something?

Portable DBS already provided and 2 references taken prior to interview

And if you are writing to offer me the job, have checked my portable dbs (I've logged on and seen this) and have taken up references, AIBU to ask to see a copy of the contract?????

You will get one but they have 6 weeks from your start date to give it to you I think, im sure you can double check this online, the HMRC And ACAS have good websites and will explain everything to you about employing people and what has to be done. She does sound right though, I'm sure you have nothing to worry about.

I have to say, that doesn't sound at all rude to me. Was there some other rudeness you didn't include?

I've done HR admin for years and could always supply a draft contract for a candidate if required, I don't understand why this is such a huge problem to be honest! It's like they're hiding something from me.

There's no way I'd start any job, temporary or permanent without seeing a contract - I think that's really important.

Yes the email was very abrupt and to the point.

No hi/dear just
Bella;
Then the pre employment blurb
Then a paragraph asking for my references and saying "please phone me tomorrow morning to discuss"

Then no Regards just the woman's email signature

I didn't think she was that nice at the interview but the recruiting manager seemed ok - I'm pregnant, 6 months work would be ideal but I'm dubious about this contract business, mainly the salary which was described as negotiable and then discussed at interview but still not confirmed.

There is a similar thread "I'm supposed to be starting a new job on Monday" or something similar, there gist of the post is very similar to yours and there have been lots of posts from people who,work in HR, it will reassure you, maybe comment on it with your concerns. I employ people and have a little knowledge of it but again take my guidance from ACAS and HMRC as I'm not qualified in HR. The Thread I've mentions as well as the above websites really will reassure you.

Thanks kickassbitch I'll take a look x

No probs x