2 weeks til start date, no contract

[Chronicworrier123]

I start my new job in 2 weeks. I still don't have a contract. I know that you don't have to have a contract to start a job, but considering they need to send me a laptop, let me know if I need to book travel for my onboarding (or let me know if it's going to be done remotely) things just seem to be going VERY slowly. Plus I've always had a contract before I could even give my notice (not needed in this case).

I signed an offer letter (which is new to me) maybe I shouldn't be so worried. They're also doing "mini video interviews" with my referees which I'm sure have slow things down too.

So AIBU so be ever so worried?

If you work for the private sector, I'd be job searching right now just in case.
If it's government, I would presume they might get their shit together on day 1. At best.

They don’t have to legally provide a contract until you start the job, so if you’ve had an offer letter I’d say that’s a decent start. They could order your equipment and sort your travel out beforehand too.

Unless there’s anything else causing concern, I actually wouldn’t worry!

It's not common in my industry.

Anywho, contract arrived but the conditions are very different to what was agreed.