A well known MNC is asking me to sign their appointment letter way too early before the actual joining date. They sent me an offer letter which I signed because offer letters are generally informal agreements. Within 24 hours of accepting the offer they sent the Final Appointment letter that mentions date of joining, induction venue, salary structure, leaves and literally everything that should be there in an employment contract. They want me to sign this too in next 48 hours.
But here is a catch. The offer letter email specifically mentioned this:
>Please note that this Offer Letter is a non-binding conditional offer letter and becomes binding upon issuance and acceptance of the final Appointment Letter by you.
What does this binding essentially mean to me? As far as I knew the appointment letter should be signed on the date of joining and not before that. If I sign this now, will the company have any hold on me? What would be the legal problems I may have to face if I sign it and don't join the company later? Or, the company backtracks and doesn't give me joining? All these questions are giving me sleepless nights and please note that I have yet to put my papers and serve the entire notice period. If I sign the letter now, will that mean I am bound to join the company? Please help, I need to decide this in a day.
The offer letter or the appointment letter themselves don't talk about any consequences if joining doesn't take place for whatever reasons.
Thanks a lot in advance.
But here is a catch. The offer letter email specifically mentioned this:
>Please note that this Offer Letter is a non-binding conditional offer letter and becomes binding upon issuance and acceptance of the final Appointment Letter by you.
What does this binding essentially mean to me? As far as I knew the appointment letter should be signed on the date of joining and not before that. If I sign this now, will the company have any hold on me? What would be the legal problems I may have to face if I sign it and don't join the company later? Or, the company backtracks and doesn't give me joining? All these questions are giving me sleepless nights and please note that I have yet to put my papers and serve the entire notice period. If I sign the letter now, will that mean I am bound to join the company? Please help, I need to decide this in a day.
The offer letter or the appointment letter themselves don't talk about any consequences if joining doesn't take place for whatever reasons.
Thanks a lot in advance.