Is there any recourse for nanny when employer backs out of the contract before the start date

[Anonymous]

Our former nanny who is amazing was set to start with a new family. She was working part-time for us and wanted full-time employment.

She had given us notice with the anticipation of starting with this new family. She had signed a contract with a start date and all the other relevant details, and she had a clean background check. Less than a week prior to her start date, the family texted her that they no longer needed her services. No reason given. They may have a good reason but this feels like the rug was pulled out from under her.

She's turned down other jobs in anticipation of starting this one and now is left unemployed (unless we take her back on), starting the job hunt all over again. Is she entitled to any lost wages in this circumstance?

[Anonymous]

They probably found someone cheaper. There’s nothing she do but continue to look for something else.

[Anonymous]

Did they have a contract signed? Did the contract address this?

[Anonymous]

I doubt the contract covered this, and even if it did, it would be way more costly to fight it. Also she needs to show that she has losses. In this environment, she probably will have a new job within a few weeks (and multiple offers).

[Anonymous]

There's nothing you or her can do. Maybe they found someone cheaper or I'm sure they found someone who really like more; different abilities, maybe someone with better qualities, they didn't find in your Nanny. Someone who was the best fit for them.

It's hard to think that; but I think that was most of the reason. Lots of this reason is a good reason to back up and change their mind.

Just move on, and keep helping your Nanny to find her a new position. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Nope. She should reach out to the jobs she turned down and see if they're still looking.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately no. It happens a ton on the nanny end too. See all the posts "help we hired a nanny and she quit right before the start date"

[Anonymous]

This is why I recommend nannies go through an agency who handles permanent and temporary positions. First, if the family did that to the nanny, either the agency wouldn't work with them anymore or they could tell the nanny what happened. Second, agencies with both permanent and temp positions can help nannies fill in small gaps quickly.

[Anonymous]

OP - I appreciate that you care about your nanny.

I see SO many posts on these boards where the nanny is not treated as though they are a human being with a family, concerns, needs, etc.

Someone is always asking a question designed to seek approval to save a buck on the back of the nanny or require the nanny to meet expectations that they themselves would not meet.

It's probably a better use of her time to pursue other positions than anything else.

Please let her know that Same as every other position that all of us didn't get hired for many factors are there. She may never know why they withdrew the offer but since she hadn't even started yet, it is not personal. Usually you find out you dodged a bullet when something like this happens.