Legal Question in Employment Law in Georgia
Recruiting under false pretenses
Is there anything I can do regarding employment that I accepted due to false statements made to me by the supervisor who recruited me for the position. After accepting the position, I later found out that at least one of the benefits of the job never existed. I gave up my position at my previous job and also gave up my home based on the statements made by this person. I had no reason to doubt or question the benefits that were promised with this position by the supervisor who stayed after me constantly to apply and accept the postion. Also it may be worth while to note that this position is a county government position.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Recruiting under false pretenses
There is a lot of room between statements made by the person, and what you actually received as far as benefits. For example, what documents were you provided that outlined the position and/or benefits? Did you ask for documentation? What, exactly, did the person say and how specific was the comment. You don't even identify the benefit, so we can't guess about that. What do the county job descriptions or HR manuals say? That said, the potential claim you may have is, generally, extremely difficult to pursue. Generally, if one quits their job or moves, they should get a written contract setting forth the terms. Further, since most jobs are "at will" and most benefits can be changed or elminated, they are not usually treated as something to which people are entitled. You can get all the benefits promised, and still be terminated after a week, absent a contract. If you want to move forward, many lawyers have experience in city or county government employment issues, and they can probably give you a pretty quick evaluation.