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Contract red flags - to sign or not to sign? [on hold]
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update Thank you all so much! I consulted a lawyer about the contract and he said not to touch it with a flamethrower. I'll keep looking for something else!
I need to quit my digital project manager role (UK) due to being treated horrendously by new employers during probation, but have been offered a well paid job as a product owner fairly quickly. It's with a telecoms/utilities firm and they didn't really ask me many questions about my competency so I'm already a little wary about it.
However, I've just had the contract through and now I'm very wary about it despite reassurances from the recruiter. It includes things like:
- they can make me see their own medical professional who will report back to them
- I can't work in any related field (telecoms/utilities? IT? Unclear) for nine months if I leave
- Hours (although flexible) are 9-6, not 9-5, with lunch being unpaid (my kid's nursery hours are 8-6 and the commute is often over half an hour at peak times)
- No paid sick leave period at all
- Pension is just 2%
- I can't do paid work anywhere else, even in unrelated fields
I've not worked in telecommunications/utilities before, so I'm really not sure how normal all this is. The vast majority of their workforce is very young and working in a call centre and I suspect I'm under the same contract.
I'm unhappy with it. Do I trust them and sign, or do I face unemployment and penury?
new-job united-kingdom contracts legal
asked Sep 6 at 23:20
user91958
213
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user91958 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
put on hold as off-topic by Dukeling, Kent A., gnat, Twyxz, sleske Sep 7 at 9:37
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions asking for advice on a specific choice, such as what job to take or what skills to learn, are difficult to answer objectively and are rarely useful for anyone else. Instead of asking which decision to make, try asking how to make the decision, or for more specific details about one element of the decision. (More information)" – Dukeling, Kent A., gnat, Twyxz, sleske
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
1
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update Thank you all so much! I consulted a lawyer about the contract and he said not to touch it with a flamethrower. I'll keep looking for something else!
I need to quit my digital project manager role (UK) due to being treated horrendously by new employers during probation, but have been offered a well paid job as a product owner fairly quickly. It's with a telecoms/utilities firm and they didn't really ask me many questions about my competency so I'm already a little wary about it.
However, I've just had the contract through and now I'm very wary about it despite reassurances from the recruiter. It includes things like:
- they can make me see their own medical professional who will report back to them
- I can't work in any related field (telecoms/utilities? IT? Unclear) for nine months if I leave
- Hours (although flexible) are 9-6, not 9-5, with lunch being unpaid (my kid's nursery hours are 8-6 and the commute is often over half an hour at peak times)
- No paid sick leave period at all
- Pension is just 2%
- I can't do paid work anywhere else, even in unrelated fields
I've not worked in telecommunications/utilities before, so I'm really not sure how normal all this is. The vast majority of their workforce is very young and working in a call centre and I suspect I'm under the same contract.
I'm unhappy with it. Do I trust them and sign, or do I face unemployment and penury?
new-job united-kingdom contracts legal
asked Sep 6 at 23:20
user91958
213
New contributor
user91958 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
put on hold as off-topic by Dukeling, Kent A., gnat, Twyxz, sleske Sep 7 at 9:37
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions asking for advice on a specific choice, such as what job to take or what skills to learn, are difficult to answer objectively and are rarely useful for anyone else. Instead of asking which decision to make, try asking how to make the decision, or for more specific details about one element of the decision. (More information)" – Dukeling, Kent A., gnat, Twyxz, sleske
2
Unfortunately, we can’t make the decision for you. If you really want the job, you should talk to the prospective employer about your concerns.
– Kent A.
Sep 7 at 0:01
"due to being treated horrendously by new employers during probation" - who's probation? Theirs or your?
– Mawg
Sep 7 at 6:38
1
Non-complete clauses: Generally BS. They can't force you to stay unemployed; if they don't want you working for someone else, they should pay you. See reasonable restrictions and consult a laywer
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:45
1
Sick pay: UK has statuatory sick pay and sick days are generally taken as needed. See gov.uk for more
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:47
3
Industry: Call centers are usually high turnover toxic places. I'm not surprised to see a predatory contract from them. If I really needed to put food on the table, I would take the job and leave as soon as something else came in. I would also ignore the non-compete BS. But that would've been my decision, not yours
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:49
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
update Thank you all so much! I consulted a lawyer about the contract and he said not to touch it with a flamethrower. I'll keep looking for something else!
I need to quit my digital project manager role (UK) due to being treated horrendously by new employers during probation, but have been offered a well paid job as a product owner fairly quickly. It's with a telecoms/utilities firm and they didn't really ask me many questions about my competency so I'm already a little wary about it.
However, I've just had the contract through and now I'm very wary about it despite reassurances from the recruiter. It includes things like:
- they can make me see their own medical professional who will report back to them
- I can't work in any related field (telecoms/utilities? IT? Unclear) for nine months if I leave
- Hours (although flexible) are 9-6, not 9-5, with lunch being unpaid (my kid's nursery hours are 8-6 and the commute is often over half an hour at peak times)
- No paid sick leave period at all
- Pension is just 2%
- I can't do paid work anywhere else, even in unrelated fields
I've not worked in telecommunications/utilities before, so I'm really not sure how normal all this is. The vast majority of their workforce is very young and working in a call centre and I suspect I'm under the same contract.
I'm unhappy with it. Do I trust them and sign, or do I face unemployment and penury?
new-job united-kingdom contracts legal
asked Sep 6 at 23:20
user91958
213
New contributor
user91958 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
update Thank you all so much! I consulted a lawyer about the contract and he said not to touch it with a flamethrower. I'll keep looking for something else!
I need to quit my digital project manager role (UK) due to being treated horrendously by new employers during probation, but have been offered a well paid job as a product owner fairly quickly. It's with a telecoms/utilities firm and they didn't really ask me many questions about my competency so I'm already a little wary about it.
However, I've just had the contract through and now I'm very wary about it despite reassurances from the recruiter. It includes things like:
- they can make me see their own medical professional who will report back to them
- I can't work in any related field (telecoms/utilities? IT? Unclear) for nine months if I leave
- Hours (although flexible) are 9-6, not 9-5, with lunch being unpaid (my kid's nursery hours are 8-6 and the commute is often over half an hour at peak times)
- No paid sick leave period at all
- Pension is just 2%
- I can't do paid work anywhere else, even in unrelated fields
I've not worked in telecommunications/utilities before, so I'm really not sure how normal all this is. The vast majority of their workforce is very young and working in a call centre and I suspect I'm under the same contract.
I'm unhappy with it. Do I trust them and sign, or do I face unemployment and penury?
new-job united-kingdom contracts legal
asked Sep 6 at 23:20
user91958
213
New contributor
user91958 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited Sep 8 at 8:11
asked Sep 6 at 23:20
user91958
213
New contributor
user91958 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked Sep 6 at 23:20
user91958
213
asked Sep 6 at 23:20
user91958
213
213
New contributor
user91958 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
user91958 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
user91958 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
put on hold as off-topic by Dukeling, Kent A., gnat, Twyxz, sleske Sep 7 at 9:37
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions asking for advice on a specific choice, such as what job to take or what skills to learn, are difficult to answer objectively and are rarely useful for anyone else. Instead of asking which decision to make, try asking how to make the decision, or for more specific details about one element of the decision. (More information)" – Dukeling, Kent A., gnat, Twyxz, sleske
put on hold as off-topic by Dukeling, Kent A., gnat, Twyxz, sleske Sep 7 at 9:37
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Questions asking for advice on a specific choice, such as what job to take or what skills to learn, are difficult to answer objectively and are rarely useful for anyone else. Instead of asking which decision to make, try asking how to make the decision, or for more specific details about one element of the decision. (More information)" – Dukeling, Kent A., gnat, Twyxz, sleske
2
Unfortunately, we can’t make the decision for you. If you really want the job, you should talk to the prospective employer about your concerns.
– Kent A.
Sep 7 at 0:01
"due to being treated horrendously by new employers during probation" - who's probation? Theirs or your?
– Mawg
Sep 7 at 6:38
1
Non-complete clauses: Generally BS. They can't force you to stay unemployed; if they don't want you working for someone else, they should pay you. See reasonable restrictions and consult a laywer
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:45
1
Sick pay: UK has statuatory sick pay and sick days are generally taken as needed. See gov.uk for more
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:47
3
Industry: Call centers are usually high turnover toxic places. I'm not surprised to see a predatory contract from them. If I really needed to put food on the table, I would take the job and leave as soon as something else came in. I would also ignore the non-compete BS. But that would've been my decision, not yours
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:49
 |Â
show 3 more comments
2
Unfortunately, we can’t make the decision for you. If you really want the job, you should talk to the prospective employer about your concerns.
– Kent A.
Sep 7 at 0:01
"due to being treated horrendously by new employers during probation" - who's probation? Theirs or your?
– Mawg
Sep 7 at 6:38
1
Non-complete clauses: Generally BS. They can't force you to stay unemployed; if they don't want you working for someone else, they should pay you. See reasonable restrictions and consult a laywer
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:45
1
Sick pay: UK has statuatory sick pay and sick days are generally taken as needed. See gov.uk for more
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:47
3
Industry: Call centers are usually high turnover toxic places. I'm not surprised to see a predatory contract from them. If I really needed to put food on the table, I would take the job and leave as soon as something else came in. I would also ignore the non-compete BS. But that would've been my decision, not yours
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:49
2
2
Unfortunately, we can’t make the decision for you. If you really want the job, you should talk to the prospective employer about your concerns.
– Kent A.
Sep 7 at 0:01
Unfortunately, we can’t make the decision for you. If you really want the job, you should talk to the prospective employer about your concerns.
– Kent A.
Sep 7 at 0:01
"due to being treated horrendously by new employers during probation" - who's probation? Theirs or your?
– Mawg
Sep 7 at 6:38
"due to being treated horrendously by new employers during probation" - who's probation? Theirs or your?
– Mawg
Sep 7 at 6:38
1
1
Non-complete clauses: Generally BS. They can't force you to stay unemployed; if they don't want you working for someone else, they should pay you. See reasonable restrictions and consult a laywer
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:45
Non-complete clauses: Generally BS. They can't force you to stay unemployed; if they don't want you working for someone else, they should pay you. See reasonable restrictions and consult a laywer
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:45
1
1
Sick pay: UK has statuatory sick pay and sick days are generally taken as needed. See gov.uk for more
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:47
Sick pay: UK has statuatory sick pay and sick days are generally taken as needed. See gov.uk for more
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:47
3
3
Industry: Call centers are usually high turnover toxic places. I'm not surprised to see a predatory contract from them. If I really needed to put food on the table, I would take the job and leave as soon as something else came in. I would also ignore the non-compete BS. But that would've been my decision, not yours
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:49
Industry: Call centers are usually high turnover toxic places. I'm not surprised to see a predatory contract from them. If I really needed to put food on the table, I would take the job and leave as soon as something else came in. I would also ignore the non-compete BS. But that would've been my decision, not yours
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:49
 |Â
show 3 more comments
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
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up vote
3
down vote
I can't tell you whether or not you should take the job. However, here are some things you can do to get some more information that can help you make that decision:
- Ask them the questions you have about the contract. They should be more than happy to explain what their non-compete covers (according to them, at least), what the purpose of the medical official is and what they will require that person to report to them, and so on
- Look at reviews of the company on sites like glassdoor (I have no affiliation to them, it's just the most well-known)
- Since you have a kid, ask if you can work 8:30-5 with a half hour lunch instead, or come to some other arrangement like working a shorter day in the office and teleworking in the evening
Once you have all this information, you can make a more informed decision whether you want to take the job, or wait for a better offer. Keep in mind that everything is negotiable, you just have to be willing to walk away.
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
IllusiveBrian
2,083715
As this is the UK yo have the right to request flexible working
– Neuromancer
Sep 8 at 19:17
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
The non-compete clause: Don't sign it. Strike through on your contract. There is no good reason for them to not want you to work in the industry. Even not working for a competitor wouldn't be acceptable if you are in a generic industry and the competitor doesn't gain an unfair advantage hiring you instead of someone else.
For the rest: Take the whole package and see what it's worth. Which means the salary must be a good chunk better than what you would get elsewhere, because the rest is not too good. And of course you should discuss the time. It seems to be 8 hours plus 1 hour lunch. If you can do with 1/2 hour lunch then talk to them and see how flexible they are.
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
gnasher729
72.8k31135229
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
I can't tell you whether or not you should take the job. However, here are some things you can do to get some more information that can help you make that decision:
- Ask them the questions you have about the contract. They should be more than happy to explain what their non-compete covers (according to them, at least), what the purpose of the medical official is and what they will require that person to report to them, and so on
- Look at reviews of the company on sites like glassdoor (I have no affiliation to them, it's just the most well-known)
- Since you have a kid, ask if you can work 8:30-5 with a half hour lunch instead, or come to some other arrangement like working a shorter day in the office and teleworking in the evening
Once you have all this information, you can make a more informed decision whether you want to take the job, or wait for a better offer. Keep in mind that everything is negotiable, you just have to be willing to walk away.
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
IllusiveBrian
2,083715
As this is the UK yo have the right to request flexible working
– Neuromancer
Sep 8 at 19:17
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I can't tell you whether or not you should take the job. However, here are some things you can do to get some more information that can help you make that decision:
- Ask them the questions you have about the contract. They should be more than happy to explain what their non-compete covers (according to them, at least), what the purpose of the medical official is and what they will require that person to report to them, and so on
- Look at reviews of the company on sites like glassdoor (I have no affiliation to them, it's just the most well-known)
- Since you have a kid, ask if you can work 8:30-5 with a half hour lunch instead, or come to some other arrangement like working a shorter day in the office and teleworking in the evening
Once you have all this information, you can make a more informed decision whether you want to take the job, or wait for a better offer. Keep in mind that everything is negotiable, you just have to be willing to walk away.
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
IllusiveBrian
2,083715
As this is the UK yo have the right to request flexible working
– Neuromancer
Sep 8 at 19:17
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
I can't tell you whether or not you should take the job. However, here are some things you can do to get some more information that can help you make that decision:
- Ask them the questions you have about the contract. They should be more than happy to explain what their non-compete covers (according to them, at least), what the purpose of the medical official is and what they will require that person to report to them, and so on
- Look at reviews of the company on sites like glassdoor (I have no affiliation to them, it's just the most well-known)
- Since you have a kid, ask if you can work 8:30-5 with a half hour lunch instead, or come to some other arrangement like working a shorter day in the office and teleworking in the evening
Once you have all this information, you can make a more informed decision whether you want to take the job, or wait for a better offer. Keep in mind that everything is negotiable, you just have to be willing to walk away.
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
IllusiveBrian
2,083715
I can't tell you whether or not you should take the job. However, here are some things you can do to get some more information that can help you make that decision:
- Ask them the questions you have about the contract. They should be more than happy to explain what their non-compete covers (according to them, at least), what the purpose of the medical official is and what they will require that person to report to them, and so on
- Look at reviews of the company on sites like glassdoor (I have no affiliation to them, it's just the most well-known)
- Since you have a kid, ask if you can work 8:30-5 with a half hour lunch instead, or come to some other arrangement like working a shorter day in the office and teleworking in the evening
Once you have all this information, you can make a more informed decision whether you want to take the job, or wait for a better offer. Keep in mind that everything is negotiable, you just have to be willing to walk away.
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
IllusiveBrian
2,083715
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
IllusiveBrian
2,083715
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
IllusiveBrian
2,083715
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
IllusiveBrian
2,083715
2,083715
As this is the UK yo have the right to request flexible working
– Neuromancer
Sep 8 at 19:17
add a comment |Â
As this is the UK yo have the right to request flexible working
– Neuromancer
Sep 8 at 19:17
As this is the UK yo have the right to request flexible working
– Neuromancer
Sep 8 at 19:17
As this is the UK yo have the right to request flexible working
– Neuromancer
Sep 8 at 19:17
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
The non-compete clause: Don't sign it. Strike through on your contract. There is no good reason for them to not want you to work in the industry. Even not working for a competitor wouldn't be acceptable if you are in a generic industry and the competitor doesn't gain an unfair advantage hiring you instead of someone else.
For the rest: Take the whole package and see what it's worth. Which means the salary must be a good chunk better than what you would get elsewhere, because the rest is not too good. And of course you should discuss the time. It seems to be 8 hours plus 1 hour lunch. If you can do with 1/2 hour lunch then talk to them and see how flexible they are.
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
gnasher729
72.8k31135229
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
The non-compete clause: Don't sign it. Strike through on your contract. There is no good reason for them to not want you to work in the industry. Even not working for a competitor wouldn't be acceptable if you are in a generic industry and the competitor doesn't gain an unfair advantage hiring you instead of someone else.
For the rest: Take the whole package and see what it's worth. Which means the salary must be a good chunk better than what you would get elsewhere, because the rest is not too good. And of course you should discuss the time. It seems to be 8 hours plus 1 hour lunch. If you can do with 1/2 hour lunch then talk to them and see how flexible they are.
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
gnasher729
72.8k31135229
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
The non-compete clause: Don't sign it. Strike through on your contract. There is no good reason for them to not want you to work in the industry. Even not working for a competitor wouldn't be acceptable if you are in a generic industry and the competitor doesn't gain an unfair advantage hiring you instead of someone else.
For the rest: Take the whole package and see what it's worth. Which means the salary must be a good chunk better than what you would get elsewhere, because the rest is not too good. And of course you should discuss the time. It seems to be 8 hours plus 1 hour lunch. If you can do with 1/2 hour lunch then talk to them and see how flexible they are.
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
gnasher729
72.8k31135229
The non-compete clause: Don't sign it. Strike through on your contract. There is no good reason for them to not want you to work in the industry. Even not working for a competitor wouldn't be acceptable if you are in a generic industry and the competitor doesn't gain an unfair advantage hiring you instead of someone else.
For the rest: Take the whole package and see what it's worth. Which means the salary must be a good chunk better than what you would get elsewhere, because the rest is not too good. And of course you should discuss the time. It seems to be 8 hours plus 1 hour lunch. If you can do with 1/2 hour lunch then talk to them and see how flexible they are.
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
gnasher729
72.8k31135229
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
gnasher729
72.8k31135229
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
gnasher729
72.8k31135229
answered Sep 7 at 0:04
gnasher729
72.8k31135229
72.8k31135229
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
2
Unfortunately, we can’t make the decision for you. If you really want the job, you should talk to the prospective employer about your concerns.
– Kent A.
Sep 7 at 0:01
"due to being treated horrendously by new employers during probation" - who's probation? Theirs or your?
– Mawg
Sep 7 at 6:38
1
Non-complete clauses: Generally BS. They can't force you to stay unemployed; if they don't want you working for someone else, they should pay you. See reasonable restrictions and consult a laywer
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:45
1
Sick pay: UK has statuatory sick pay and sick days are generally taken as needed. See gov.uk for more
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:47
3
Industry: Call centers are usually high turnover toxic places. I'm not surprised to see a predatory contract from them. If I really needed to put food on the table, I would take the job and leave as soon as something else came in. I would also ignore the non-compete BS. But that would've been my decision, not yours
– rath
Sep 7 at 13:49