Termination of employment before it started.

[kdawg]

I recently got a job offer in London. A contract was signed. I was due to start today but got a call on Wednesday ( 5 days before i was to start) saying that a major client had pulled out. I had made arrangements regarding my re-location and paid deposits on accomodation.

What rights would I have and what would my prospective employer be expected to do? Would he be expected to give me several months salary for the probabation period? It states in my contract that he only has to give me one weeks notice ; he gave me 5 days.

[buildersmate]

I feel most sorry for you but I'm afraid the answer is no.
One week's notice is very small figure for a job change that involves a major relocation - are you sure?
Nothing offered to you in terms of relocation costs as part of the job offer?

[kdawg]

Yes, it says one week notice if having worked for them less than one month. I checked it today.

Should I ring citizens advice?

[buildersmate]

No harm in trying.
Also a decent company might offer you an ex gratia payment for all the pain it has given you - you can but ask.