Advice needed - new job/corona

[whitefiesta]

Hi, first time posting as I can’t find any advice on the internet! I am currently working my notice in my current job (marketing agency) and I’m due to finish next Friday. My new job (again marketing agency) is due to start the following Wednesday. I’ve heard nothing from them RE corona/office closure/training so sent an email to touch base on Tuesday. I’ve heard nothing yet (they are notoriously slow at replying as it’s a small business). I know that the best course of action is to call and I will do this tomorrow. I firstly just want to know where I stand: can they withdraw the offer due to the ongoing situation with corona? I have heard of employees pushing back start dates and I could potentially ride out a month without pay so that would be fine. However if they do withdraw the offer I am royally eff’ed. In terms of paperwork, I’ve had an offer letter which detailed my start date and I formally accepted that. Haven’t had a contract. Any advice would be appreciated, I just need to know the worst case scenario. As a side note, my current employer initially said they may be able to help by keeping me on, but they now seem to be rethinking that, saying they need to consider where they are financially

Yes, they can withdraw the offer if you have not started yet.

They could withdraw but aren't likely to if they still want you once this is all over. They might delay the start date or, as is the case with my husband who starts a new role in two weeks, put him straight on annual leave.

They could try and withdraw, but you’re entitled to a reasonable paid notice period if they do.

I’m an employment lawyer and I had a claim like this against one of my clients. I tried to argue notice was zero given that there is no statutory notice period but the judge awarded the claimant a months pay.

Basically at this late stage you’re entitled to whatever contractual notice period is in place, or if no contract, a reasonable notice period for the industry and role you are performing.

You’d likely have to sue to claim it back though.

That is interesting Pinkcock, I thought before the contract started on the first day of work the terms were unenforceable but stand corrected.

I work in HR and had a manager withdraw an offer because he changed his mind once... I guilt tripped him into paying notice on a moral basis as person had already resigned from their current job