Withdrawal of job offer

[SAMPARRY]

Hi,

My son received a job offer (6 month contract outside of IR35) and was recruited via an agency. The offer was subject to him going through security clearance. He was told it would take about 6 weeks to go through clearance, but it took 3 months. He finally passed his security clearance about a week ago. He has been living off his savings while waiting to hear. He has heard this morning that the role is no longer offered, because the number of positions has been reduced. So he is now without a job and without savings, plus - he turned down a PhD offer to take this job. Could he sue for breach of contract or similar?

Many thanks for any suggestions or advice in advance.

[ULA]

Did your son receive a contract of employment which he signed and returned to the company? If so then he would be entitled to receive notice as set out in his contract of employment, which given the fact they do not want him to join should be paid to him.

[SAMPARRY]

Hi - thanks for the reply.
No - just a job offer - he didn't sign a contract, presumably because he had to wait to see if he was SE cleared.
So - without a contract, does he not have any case?

[ULA]

If he did not have a contract of employment which detailed any notice period above statutory requirement then unfortunately I cannot see that he would have any claim.

[SAMPARRY]

Okay - many thanks for taking the time to reply.

[islandgirl]

Very sad. Hopefully he can start a PhD in Sept?

[ULA]

Wishing your son all the best of luck and hopefully as islandgirl has said he can start his PhD.