accepted position, then told position no longer available

[potti173]

In July 2013 I was verbally offered a position ( 6 month temporary contract) with my local council as a Support Worker for a lady with learning difficulties who would be coming into the service. I was asked how much notice I would have to give to my current employer, (4 weeks) which my new manager said they would have to respect. I duly gave in my notice and worked the 4 weeks. During this time I received no written offer of employment or a start date from the council. I contacted my new manager who informed me there was a delay in the new Service User starting at the centre. I informed her that I would continue to work for my old employer as a Bank Worker for now and hoped to be starting soon. In September I attended a days training at the centre and continued to wait for a start date. The third week of October I finally managed to speak to my new manager on the telephone, she informed me that the new Service User would not be taking up her place and therefore there was no job for me, very sorry and all that. I waited for a couple of days to see what the council were going to do about my situation, but there was no contact from them or my new manager. I rang the head of HR and advised him of my plight, which he understood. The next day he rang to say there was a temporary position available as a clerk for nine months, less pay and hours, which I could have and if a support worker position became available in the nine months, it would be mine. This I accepted.
My problem now is that the nine months will be up in August and nothing has come up. However, one of my colleagues will be retiring the 1st October and for his service user's sake, there should be a period of handover with his new support worker. This will probably happen just after my contract expires. The question is, how long do the council have to honour their offer of the next support worker positon to me for?

[potti173]

Re: accepted position, then told position no longer available

anyone?

[Mr $quandaŁot]

Re: accepted position, then told position no longer available

Never ever resign until you have a written contract of employment or written offer of a fixed term contract!

[potti173]

Re: accepted position, then told position no longer available

Thank-you, but that doesn't actually answer my question.

[teaboy2]

Re: accepted position, then told position no longer available

You should Speak to HR manager again about the other person retiring and your wish to take their place as a support worker, reminding them how they stated that if such a position came up you could have it!