Handing in notice in current job before getting a contract for the new job?

[littlemonkeychops]

Hello

Hoping someone can answer a quick question for me. DH has had an offer of employment in writing for a new job (summarising pay/hours etc). The only condition is satisfactory references, one of which must be his current employer.

So he's signing it and sending it back, but is it ok to give in his notice before getting a contract etc through from the new employer?

It's a catch 22, the job isn't guaranteed without references (no likely issues there hopefully) but he obviously doesn't want his current employer to get a request for references before he's handed his notice in.

Is it normal/ok to hand your notice in before a contract? This is only his 2nd job so never come across this before!

Thanks (and sorry for rambling!)

An offer in writing is fine subject to references. The only issue will be whether there might be anything in the contract that would be a deal breaker for him, but if he knows the main key terms that's the important thing. He may not get a contract until he starts.

Thanks Flowery that's really reassuring. The main terms (hours/pay/location/benefits) etc are all set out so can't think of anything that would be a deal breaker.

Thanks for setting our minds at rest.