Terminating a contract before you start...family emergency

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Hi,

I was just wondering what can happen if you want to terminate a contract before it begins.

The company has not paid for any housing or anything yet. I took the housing stipend. The contract starts on the 28th of Jan. Family emergency and I cannot go now.

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Sorry...hope everything gets better for you. If they haven't paid out anything, I'm not sure that you will owe them anything... Just my opinion

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Thanks...tough times. I hope someone who has some experience with this is able to respond, but I was thinking that too since they havent paid anything out.

Sorry...hope everything gets better for you. If they haven't paid out anything, I'm not sure that you will owe them anything... Just my opinion
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Contractually you will owe them. Realistically, it is unlikely that they will pursue you and take you to court. Just too expensive. They have been damaged (recruiting/marketing costs, reputation hit to hospital client), but probably no direct financial hit. You do owe it to them to notify them immediately. It is the only professional thing to do. If you have the manager's number or email address, you should apologize directly. Try to leave it open to working for your agency again, and they are more likely to respect you and waive any damages.

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