My employer has pushed my start date several months. Are there actions I can take or compensation I am owed?
Asked in Columbia, MD on February 17, 2026 Last answered on March 17, 2026I accepted a job offer last December from a defense subcontractor, which would place me on a team at a different defense company. After filling out and signing the initial paperwork and onboarding, I received an email with information regarding my start date of early March; however, 2 weeks before the aforementioned start date, I received another email saying the start date had been pushed back to June. They reasoned that the company I'm being placed in has not completed a DD254 for the project, which would allow subcontractors to work on it. This is a three-month difference and would negatively affect me financially, mainly since I relocated for this position. Am I entitled to any compensation, or are there actions I can take to adjudicate this delay?
1 answer
In Maryland, most employment relationships are at-will, meaning the employer can generally hire, delay, or terminate employment for almost any reason, so long as the decision is not based on an unlawful reason such as discrimination. Because of this, a delayed start date, while frustrating and potentially costly, often does not create a legal claim by itself.
However, the situation may be different if you entered into a binding employment contract that guaranteed a specific start date or otherwise limited your employer’s ability to change the terms of employment. In that case, postponing your start date could potentially constitute a breach of contract, and you may be entitled to damages for losses caused by the delay.
Because the answer often depends on the exact wording of the offer letter and any agreements you signed, it would be advisable to consult with an attorney who can review the documents and ensure that all of your rights are protected.
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