Contract refers to handbook

[TaFox]

I have recently been offered a new job and they sent me the contract. However one clause in the contract refers to the staff handbook, and I have not been given access to the staff handbook.

I can't really sign this contract, can I? How can the contract be enforced if I don't know what the handbook says?

… ask for the handbook?

This 👆

I've had exactly the same, but just asked for the handbook.

90% of people don’t read the contract
email and say that the contract refers to the handbook so please could they send you either the relevant sections referred to or the handbook itself

I’m sure if you point this out to them, they’ll give you a copy.

They won't share the handbook!!

What about the relevant section? I'd have alarm bells if they won't to be honest. That's just inefficient, or unreasonable.

It's probably available on an internal system making it difficult to share. Can't you just ask for clarity on the 'clause' you're querying?

Oh dear, my old workplace contracts said that, however two years following a merge we still didn't even have one, no one ever asked tbh as most people check salary, holiday and notice and nothing else! What does the clause relate to?

As someone else said, major alarm bells if they won’t share the hand book. Is it on their website?

Simple, say you'll add clauses to the contract referring to your handbook, which they can't see.

They sent me the contract in pdf. Contract refers to handbook. It's regarding a non compete clause.

I ask for handbook. It's on an internal system that cannot be shared with anyone outside the organisation.

They are a well-oiled old business. I can't understand how no one has asked before.

As someone above said, most people don't read contracts in detail. I guess it depends on your situation and whether you want the job.

Your other option would be to cross out the section that refers to the handbook, add a note stating handbook not provided, initial that, and then sign the contract.

Thank you, this is a great idea. I will do this.