New job delaying start

[genericusernamehere]

Hi all, new here but hope you can advise me!

I'm due to start a new job in a fortnight and finish my current post next week. My new employer has contacted me asking if I can delay starting for a month due to concerns about coronavirus. I understand their position as I won't be able to train up remotely and they don't want to pay for someone to be sat around doing nothing.

I can't afford to be stuck with no pay for at least a month. Should I ask my current employer to keep me on (I've already started a=handing over my work)?

Do you have a written contract for the new job with a starting date?

@hopping No, it was supposed to be coming this week. I'm feeling very stupid for not asking for it sooner now. I supposed without a contract I have no leg to stand on.

Unfortunately you can probably agree to start later or not at all.
I’m not an HR expert though

Coronavirus is likely to be worse in a month not Better. I'd push for an earlier start.
I don't see why you starting work would be a risk factor?

I don't see why you starting work would be a risk factor?

It's not about risk, it's about cost to the business. Loads of companies of freezing recruitment as part of measures to control the financial impact.

I think that's a rotten thing to do. I've got a new starter coming in a couple of weeks and I've just emailed him to reassure him that his start date won't alter no matter what the situation is - it won't be his fault if we're locked down and he can't actually work.

Any update OP? I’m in a similar situation!

Update for Teacake

I've agreed to delay my start provided they send me a contract with a specified start date as soon as possible. Fortunately my current employer was happy for me to stay on longer. I could have been much worse! New place are very apologetic and I understand their reasons for the delay. Wishing you luck with your situation!

This is rotten. I have 2 new starters - one next week and another in 2 weeks. We have been in touch with both of them to reassure them. We arranged for the first to come in and collect her phone and laptop on Friday as we expected the office to close. All her induction is set up to be over the internet next week - it's not ideal but not impossible. The other will also start the same - we may have to have her equipment delivered. Will wait and see.

Oh that’s good glad it’s all worked out for you, fingers crossed for myself thank you!

@FanSpamTastic that’s great, hoping my potential employer continues as you have!

What industry do you both work in?

Good stuff FanSpam, I'm sure your new starters appreciate the reassurance. I think it depends on the size of the company and whether they are used to remote working (or even have the capability). I know several other people changing jobs right now and they are all starting as expected but are all going to much larger organisations than I am.

I'm ok with the outcome, but I was pretty stressed at first. If schools close it'll be easier doing a job I know inside out rather than being distracted by the kids while trying to figure out something new and trying to make a good impression!

We are in finance - so usually office based. We would prefer to have face to face inductions. But we use Teams - you can share desktops or have video - so just needs a bit of thought to make it work.

Really pleased to hear it's worked out ok OP!