Withdrawing a Job Offer

You may make a job offer conditional on many grounds, such as:

• Satisfactory references

• Evidence of right to work in the UK

• Proof of qualifications.

If the individual fails to meet any of these conditions, then you are legally able to revoke the job offer.

However, what is your legal position if you revoke the job offer for any other reason? For example, your business requirements may have been unexpectedly changed since you made the offer, e.g. you’ve lost a key client or persuaded a departing employee to withdraw their resignation etc.

If the individual has already accepted the job offer, then it could be considered a breach of contract to withdraw it, and they may take you to the tribunal as a result. This means that if you do wish to withdraw a job offer you must act fast before the individual accepts it.