Questions & Answers
Can an employer take legal action against me if I withdraw from accepted job offer?
Dear Sir,
I accepted a job offer letter (Only organization offer letter) and sent it by email, but now I don't want to leave my present company. I informed them today (future company) but they replied me...
Quote:
"DEAR FAIZ,
You gave us a word to join our company in date of 30th SEP and this considered as legal contract as it called WORD SAY CONTRACT.
We are disappointed as we reject a lot of candidates because of our commitments with you.
I do not know what to say but I am assigning my legal department for the same.
Thanks"
Can they take legal action against me?
Dear Questioner,
Yes, they can take legal action. In theory, your relationship is not yet governed by the UAE labour law because you still did not sign an employment agreement. However, you did sign a contract and you did send it by email or accepted it via email.
What you did is gave a promise to join and withdrew from such commitment for your own interest sake. It may not sound as an illegal thing to do but what you did - maybe - has a negative effect on the company you signed with. Whether financially or morally and both make them eligible to take legal action against you for compensation. However, they will have to prove to the court the damage that occurred to them to be compensated.
On a separate note. It maybe not the best practice professionally and ethically to withdraw from a contract before it starts. You can reverse the situation and see yourself "You signed the offer letter, resigned from your job to join the new company and then they withdraw their offer" You would probably sue them as well.
I would highly recommend you to reach out to the new company, apologize and try to avoid the legal action as much as you can.
