Can anyone advise where we would stand with regards to an offer of employment having been made both verbally and confirmed in writing, (and subsequently accepted by the new employee) which has now been altered (by the US parent co) which may result in the new employee no longer joining the organisation. There are two scenarios on which I need clarification:

1. The offer was made with an agreed start date of mid June resulting in the employee resigning from their previous employer but the U.S. parent company has now moved the date back resulting in the potential new employee effectively losing salary for the interim period.

2. There is a possibility of the parent company placing a headcount freeze resulting in the new employee not joining the new employer at all which leaves her unemployed. (having turned down an offer from another potential employer)

Where would the new employer stand legally on both counts? Has anyone any experience of this and where would the company stand under UK law? Secondly, does the potential new employee have any rights.
Lesley Atkinson