Before you accept a counter offer, it's important to consider your initial reason for leaving. A counter offer is generally comes in the later stages of notice and will be a financial incentive or a promise of changed working conditions.

If an employer gives you a counter offer is it important to set out clearly your reasons for leaving and have any verbal offer of changes in your employment conditions confirmed both in your contract of employment and via written, signed documentation.

A counter offer is an option your employer to retain your services and bridge the gap while they seek a replacement as factoring in the recruitment and training costs of a new recruit will account to more in the first year than lifting a salary up to 25%. a notice period is rarely enough time for an employer to find a replacement and ensure a good hand over. As a commercial option a counter offer is favourable to most employers than a replacement.

Often if staying in post after accepting a counter offer you may find your current employer resents the additional salary and conditions they have agreed to. You may find that your original reasons for seeking a move re appear within a 3-6 month cycle as company's cannot change their culture easily.