Job offer revoked

[fliptheswitch]

Well, it doesn't rain, it pours...

I was offered a job recently, and had a letter from them (stating hours, salary, etc) which I accepted, so I handed in my notice to my then employers.
I've just been sent another letter, to say that "due to unsatisfactory references", the offer has been revoked.
I have contacted them, and they've told me that that both companies I used to work for sent them back a "standard reference" which just stated the dates I used to work for them, position and reason for leaving. Apparently, this is not what they wanted and, due to being "burnt" by the last person who took on the job, they want something far more in depth.
I have contacted both of my last employers, and they've said that's all they can give now, and that's all that most large corporate companies will give. I have tried explaining this to them, but they say their position still stands.
They have even spoken to my last employers on the phone, who have told them this is all they are allowed to now give, due to legal reasons (not sure what that means?)
They have also spoken to the agency (I got the job through a recruitment agency) and they have confirmed that this is all they give, a standard reference.
I have literally spent the past hour on the phone, trying to sort this out, but they have said there is nothing they can do and have revoked the job offer.
I am at my wits end, I just don't know what to do.

[Ankou]

if it was a conditional offer (subject to), then they can withdraw at any time without issue.

if the offer was unconditional, then you may be entitled to some compensation particularly as you resigned from another post.

[B00]

As i said up there ^, it was the excuse they were looking for not to hire you.

:-(

[trionam]

wow if you poached a couple of their large clients then I would have thought that was a good reason to hire you not the opposite sounds like its their loss.Seems like they have made a mistake in not making the offer subject to references if it was me I would persue it further to see if you could be compensated they put you in an awful position.

[cazzz1975]

on the upside I think you had a lucky escape if that is how they treat people

[Twenty20]

Any talk of compensation etc just isn't practical in reality. No one is going to go to court for the chance to get one week's pay (your notice period at the new company) as compensation, and that's if you got anything at all.

It's really the same as a potential new employee changing their mind before they actually start with a new company and writing to say sorry I wont be joining you now. It happens. It's not nice when it does but I don't think you'll get anywhere with the compensation angle. If you had actually started work there you would have been eligible for one week's notice but as you hadn't started I don't think you'd get anywhere with a claim.

[joko]

maybe you could offer to prove yourself...i trial.

i know you shouldnt have to but if it shows them the error of their ways and proves youre worthy then wheres the harm?

[joko]

sorry didnt read other posts from yesterday...

yes sounds like it could be personal

maybe someone else was given a glowing reference

i would be honest and tell them the spot they have left you in.. not that there was no mention of conditions etc, and that you feel they have behaved in a very underhand way...

either ask for a trial, or imply that you may take it further and seek compensation for loss of earnings and basically your livelihood

in the current market it is very shoddy of them to leave you in this situation.

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks for all the replies. I've had no internet, so not been able to comment back. Wasn't being rude :-)

I've been for two interviews, and have second interviews next week. I do have a job offer on the table, but it's something completely unrelated to anything I've ever done, and would literally be a temp thing. Fingers are well and truly crossed for the other two, but it's good to know there's something there if need be.
Things have been a lot better the past day or two. I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel! :-)

[Maydup]

How have things turned out on the job front Flip?

[fliptheswitch]

Hello, Maid :-)

Well, I am pleased to announce that I have a job!! Hurrah!!
I don't start until towards the end of Jan, which is a bit of a nightmare, but I'll cross those hurdles when I come to them.
The main thing is... I have a bloody job!! Yay! :-)

Thanks for asking. It's been a crap few weeks/months... but there's some light at the end of the tunnel :-)

[sherrardk]

Congratulations Flip.

[fliptheswitch]

Ah, thanks Sherr. x

[Maydup]

Wonderful, I'm pleased for you. The time will fly between now and then.

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks, Maid. Really nice of you to ask :-)

[scrummyyummy]

Flip: I'm so glad it's worked out for you! Congrats!

[fliptheswitch]

Thanks, Scrummy. Again, that's really nice :-) x

[Pimpernel]

Congrats Flip!
Had a similar problem to yours: I was offered a job, and the agency who had got me the interview gave them the details of my (then) current employers + previous employers, for references. I had told the agency my current employer wouldn't give me 'good' references (I very nearly started a grievance procedure for bullying there), but when I called them back 2 weeks before my start date, they told me everything was fine. I started my new job... and 1 week on, learnt that they hadn't had the time to contact my previous employer for references!
I'm still there, but it's really been difficult and I no longer have any career opportunities there and have started looking for a new job.

[chelle7272]

aw pimpernel that's a bit rough, hope you find something soon.

flip, congratulations, I'm so pleased it wotked out for you. :)

[marval]

Well done flip, hope it all goes well.

[starone]

It is unbelievable how stupid and cruel some people can be but I am so glad that it has turned out all right for you after all. Hope you get on well in the new job so that you can give a metaphorical finger to the other ones.