Can a Company Change Job Location After Issuing an Offer Letter? Seeking Advice on Next Steps

Dear Sir/Madam,

This is Mani working with a reputed company in Gurgaon. I would like to share my bitter experience that I faced this month. A company from Bhopal offered me (after six months of negotiations) a Senior Manager position at the Bhopal location, and I agreed to join because I belong to Bhopal. After receiving an Offer Letter on 30th January 2017, I resigned from my current company and completed a one-month notice period as per the rules and regulations on 31st January 2017.

On 17th February 2017, I received a call from their representative informing me that they are opening an office in New Delhi, and I was required to join my duties at the New Delhi location. However, I refused to relocate to New Delhi as I had already arranged for movers and packers to shift my household appliances to Bhopal, booked my tickets, applied for a TC for my daughter, and served notice to my landlord to vacate my flat by 28th February 2017.

On 18th February 2017, I contacted the GM (HR/Admin) of that company and shared all the issues with him. He informed me that they currently do not have any vacancies in Bhopal and would contact me after 5-6 months.

Following this incident, I had to rescind my resignation from my current company. Now, I am wondering if any company has the right to make such changes after issuing an Offer Letter.

I have suffered both mentally and financially because of this situation. Should I take this matter to the Labor Court? I am looking for guidance and suggestions.

Thank you.

First and foremost, you cannot seek a remedy under any labor laws for your grievance. Second, the new employer asked you to join as per the offer already made, albeit with a change of location. Their representative and the GM (HR) explained the reasons to you, which seem reasonable. It is understandable that your personal inconvenience led you to decline the modified offer.

Third, all the preparatory efforts you have made for relocation were strictly your choice. It is not evident from your post that any relocation allowance was included in the offer to facilitate an immediate relocation process.

All your relocation actions appear to be at a preparatory stage despite the time, energy, and money expended, as well as the withdrawal of your resignation.

The prolonged negotiation period indicates uncertainty on both sides. Given this context, the sudden modification of the offer within a month, along with the reasons provided by the new company, cannot be dismissed as willful failure leading to damages.

Therefore, my view is to leave the matter as it is.