Handed in notice, accepted unconditional offer, but not had my contract through from the NHS. When should I expect it?

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I accepted an unconditional offer from the NHS 11 days ago, and handed in my notice that night.

10 days ago I confirmed my start date to the recruiter, who had been really fast up until that point. I’ve now heard nothing and I’m starting to get a little concerned, as until that is signed nothing is official. I’ve chased it this morning

I had the same problem. Waiting for a contract to emerge and being hassled by managers for a start date. I kept explaining that I wasn't prepared to start work before getting a contract. Compromised on the end, but it was a red flag and I left after a few months as it was so disorganised and the managers were inexperienced. Horrible work place atmosphere with lots of conflict. Beware - employment law is there for a reason.

You have to confirm your start date before your contract, which I’ve done. So I’m just confused as to why they’ve not sent the contract

Have you done your DBS yet?

All checks are completed, the unconditional offer has been given. I was told to notify the recruitment person of my start date and she’d send across my contract. I’ve sent my start date, and heard nothing

have references been received?

I’m not being funny but what part of everything is complete and my start date is confirmed isn’t sinking in?

You don’t get the unconditional offer until every check has been completed. ID, DBS, references etc.

Hope you didn’t chase up your contract in this sort of tone…

I had to go back to the person who had offered me the job and point out I hadn’t had a contract yet. I wasn’t going to resign until I’d got a signed contract and it took a while for them to grasp that! But you’ve already resigned so can’t threaten that.

They did end up having to wait an extra month for me to start because they were so slow getting the contract out.

Obviously not. This is Mumsnet, not a professional environment.

Ah as long as it’s a normal thing to wait!!! I was told I should hand in my notice when I got my unconditional offer

The wierd thing about NHS is that they often dont give you the contract until quite late. Odd but true.
Dont worry OP

I’d contact your soon to be line manager and ask for a start date.

Congratulations!

Welcome to the NHS. After many years in their employment I can confidently say it is a shit show.

Okay, I’m glad it tends to be slow now! I guess it’s one of those things that takes a while because it’s not too urgent

I have a start date!!!

Told by who? If it was the recruiting person I’d ignore them on that as they’re not the person paying your rent or mortgage if it goes wrong!

Usually these things work out fine so you should be ok but I remember the people due to start work in the first lockdown who found themselves suddenly minus a job having already resigned from their previous one.

Recruitment and my line manager.

The last time I worked for NHS (in Scotland), I got my contract the day before my start date...

never hand in your notice without first getting your contract
particularly in the nhs