Aibu to hand in my notice before receiving new contract?

[Funkyslippers]

I've had job offer letter, DBS check, done all the training, had start date etc but the person who organises the contracts is off sick. I can't imagine there would be any surprises in the contract but should I wait till I get it, not knowing when that might be? Pretty sure I'll get it before I leave my current job

I wouldn't as I used to have a boss who for some reason would always had a thing about telling people to get the new job offer in writing first but it's personal choice

I've never had an offer rescinded at the last minute but I guess he must have done and so was super wary

It isn’t about reasonableness but about risk. If the contract never comes, or the new employer rescinds their offer would you be able to find another suitable job and how long might it take?

Personally, I’m risk-averse so I wouldn’t

I did when I quit my previous job. I was confident the contract was coming and I really, really wanted out, the job was killing my mental health.

I got the contract and it worked out fine. I think you have to think through what your plan is if the contract never materialises, though.

Nope. Don't do it. DH did this and ended up without a job for a couple of months.

Even once you have the contract there's not a whole lot you can do if they retract the offer before you start.

No, never ever.

It’s a risk so I would wait. Hope it comes through soon x

If you have a formal written offer I would.

I did this accidentally once (my new manager sent me a letter confirming my appointment and I resigned from a job I hated AND THEN got a letter from the new HR team telling me not to hand in my notice until they’d got references) and I can tell you it’s not worth the worry.

New HR already have my references

The law is you must have your contract by day 1 of your employment. A lot of your contract is implied anyway, so not having some things written down is immaterial - they’re still part of your contract (e.g. right to physical and mental health and safety, minimum wage etc). You should already know the details of things like holiday, pension, sick pay etc.

I’ve often started a job before seeing the contract and it’s never worked out badly.

Only if you can afford to have no job and no benefits for a bit in the event the offer gets yanked.