It seems my husband was fired before he was hired.

My husband was offered a position by a nationally known telecommunications firm. He was advised for both of us to submit our resignations at our current jobs, sent all kinds of new hire packets, encouraged to go to the state where we were to be relocated to search for a new home, and upon returning, was informed that the offer had been rescinded based on him having a GED vs. a high school diploma. Do we have any recourse?

2 answers  |  asked Jun 26, 2001 8:50 PM [EST]  |  applies to Texas

Answers (2)

Margaret A. Harris
Another thought

Do you think there was any ulterior motive? That could change the situation too.

posted by Margaret A. Harris  |  Jun 27, 2001 11:27 AM [EST]
Margaret A. Harris
Being Fired Before Being Hired

That is absolutely awful! If your husband signed some form of written agreement or employment contract with the company, you may have a breach of contract claim under the terms of that agreement. Without a written agreement, however, you will not have many rights. There is this concept called "employment at will," which means that someone can be fired for any reason whatsoever, no matter how stupid or unfair the reason, and the employers can get away with it. The company would probably argue that it could have fired your husband as soon as he showed up in the new location, so they did him a favor by firing him before y'all moved. Some comfort, huh? If there is some signed agreement, though, you may very well have a good argument that the company broke the law. If you want to come in and talk about it, call my office to set up an appointment.

posted by Margaret A. Harris  |  Jun 27, 2001 11:26 AM [EST]

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