Query for Hiring Managers

[TinCups]

On afternoon of 10th of January I was offered a job via a phone call from who would line manage this role, the lady who had led the final interview that morning. I accepted, she said the HR department would contact me with regards to me handing over details of who they could approach for references. Have yet to hear from them. E-mailed same lady after 5 days of waiting, no reply. On afternoon of 21st of January I called, my call has not been returned.

Are they trying to tell me something here? I've started jobs before without signing a contract but I had a start date and knew good references had been sent back. This feels like they don't want me for the position anymore.

Could there be any other reason why I couldn't have had a 'I'll come back to you with an update' response by now? Don't have HR's details to ask them directly/they are not online anywhere. Maybe she's off sick, I'll keep contacting but wanted to know if any Mumsnetters have experienced the same or if you recruit could there be a plausible explanation? Is 10 days not long at all?? Its an SME approx. 70 employees.

Impossible to know the story behind the delay. It's about 2 weeks since you were offered the job, that isn't excessive tbf.

Don't hand your notice in at your current job until you have something in writing either email or letter with a firm job offer, including start date.

You've chased the recruiting manager, you could try contacting HR to see if they are processing your references. I personally wouldn't say anything to your current employer until you have more certainty. Some people do, my view is keep your powder dry until you have a cast-iron job offer in the bag.