UK Recruitment Glossary
Offer Letter
In recruiter context
An offer letter alone is not a contract; a signed contract of employment is. But once an offer letter is signed and accepted, withdrawing the offer in the UK is restricted (and can be a discrimination issue). Read every line: salary, bonus structure, holiday allowance, notice period, probation, location, and whether the role is contingent on references or right-to-work checks.
Related terms
IR35
UK tax legislation that determines whether a contractor is genuinely self-employed or a "disguised e…
Reference Check
A call or written enquiry the employer makes to confirm your past employment and performance.
Garden Leave
A period during your notice where the employer pays you but bars you from working.
Equity / Share Options
An ownership stake in your employer, granted as options or shares that vest over time.