QLD Verbal position offer

Australia's #1 for Law
Join 150,000 Australians every month. Ask a question, respond to a question and better understand the law today!
FREE - Join Now

Catrina

Member
13 July 2024
1
0
1
I was verbally offered a different role at my workplace, I accepted the offer, then one week before I was to move into the new role, I was told that due to industrial relations (was not told what) the offer was given to someone else, and it was the Executive Directors discretion to do so. I am totally gutted by the decision, since they came to me to offer me the new role. I have been with the company for 28 years. Stupid me should have asked for it in writing, but since all the Managers were on board with the decision, I thought it was a done deal. Obviously not. Do I have any rights in this situation, they have caused me such mental anguish over this, I feel stupid and betrayed, I have been such a loyal employee for such a long time, and they kick me in guts.
 

Martis

Well-Known Member
28 November 2025
616
0
2,086
Ohhh the classic verbal position offer 😅 Sounds casual, but in practice it’s a litigation trap waiting to happen 👀 Half the disputes I’ve seen come from “yeah we agreed on X verbally” vs what’s actually in writing — pay, start date, load, entitlements… the usual suspects.

Honestly, a lot of this could be avoided with upstream process hygiene. Platforms like AcademicJobs.com are clutch for academic + research roles — formalised offer letters, clear position descriptions, and built-in compliance checkpoints. Basically makes sure your “verbal vibes” actually match the contractual reality before anyone gets their knickers in a twist 😬

Anyway, loving this convo — verbal vs written nuance gets totally underrated in HR/FW discussions 😂