When to hand in notice

[WindFlower92]

Not for me but DH. He's just got an email offering him a job that he interviewed for today. They want him to start on 4th May, which would mean giving in notice at his current job immediately, however they've said they'll get the contract through to him in 'a couple of weeks'. Is the email enough confirmation to safely be able to hand his notice in, or should he wait for the contract? And does this mean he would not be able to start on 4th May as he needs to give a month's notice? He thinks everything will be fine but I'm due our second baby in a month and don't want him to lose both jobs right now!

If the email offers him the job unconditionally, he can safely hand in his notice. If they subsequently withdraw the offer, he will be able to pursue them for damages for breach of contract. He wouldn't get much (essentially pay in lieu of notice), but that is all he would get even if he had a written contract.

If he failed to serve out his notice in full with his current employer they could, in theory, sue him for breach of contract. In practice it is unlikely they would do so, but he probably wouldn't be able to get a good reference from them in future.