u/Longjumping_Pin_9148

Hey all
So I Got a job offer on 30th June for an entry-level technical role at a fashion brand, involving relocation to another UK city. Accepted it, and the next morning was in an accident that broke bones in my left hand - had surgical fixation, now discharged and recovering at home.

Haven’t received the formal offer letter or done pre-employment paperwork yet. Also worth noting: it’s a big fashion brand, but they don’t operate like a typical corporation - things get decided informally by a couple of people rather than through a big HR process. Not sure if that helps or hurts me here.

Concerns:

**•** Agreed start date (20th July) may not work given recovery time, and they’d already hinted they wanted me sooner, not later.    
**•** Relocating right now is also physically difficult.    
**•** I’m not an employee yet, so no formal leave protections apply. Worried that flagging this early means they just find someone else who can start on time, since there’s no formal process stopping them.

Want to keep this job. Is it better to disclose now, before the paperwork’s done, or wait until I have something in writing? Anyone dealt with a pre-start medical issue at an informally-run company?

I’m an international graduate who completed a fashion technology–related master’s degree from a well-regarded UK university. Before studying in the UK, I had around 3–4 years of industry experience in fashion technology, garment development, pattern making, and product development roles in my home country.
I’ve been applying for jobs since graduating and have reached interview and final-stage interviews multiple times. However, I’ve had several situations where either the role was put on hold/closed, or concerns around my visa status came up.
I’m currently on a Graduate Visa, and I’m not necessarily looking for sponsorship right now. My goal is simply to gain UK industry experience for a year or two before eventually returning to my home country and pursuing my own business plans.
At this point, I’m trying to decide whether I should continue investing time and money into staying in the UK or accept that it may not happen and move back home.
For context:
International graduate
Master’s degree in a fashion technology–related field from a reputable UK university
Around 3–4 years of prior industry experience overseas
Applying since graduation
Getting interviews and reaching final stages, but no offer yet
My questions are:
Is a 3–4 month job search after graduation considered normal in the current UK market?
How much does being on a Graduate Visa realistically affect hiring decisions?
If you were in my position, how long would you continue searching before deciding to leave?
Have others experienced getting to final interview stages repeatedly but struggling to secure an offer?
I’d appreciate honest opinions rather than encouragement for the sake of it.

I’m an international graduate who completed a fashion technology–related master’s degree from a well-regarded UK university. Before studying in the UK, I had around 3–4 years of industry experience in fashion technology, garment development, pattern making, and product development roles in my home country.
I’ve been applying for jobs since graduating and have reached interview and final-stage interviews multiple times. However, I’ve had several situations where either the role was put on hold/closed, or concerns around my visa status came up.
I’m currently on a Graduate Visa, and I’m not necessarily looking for sponsorship right now. My goal is simply to gain UK industry experience for a year or two before eventually returning to my home country and pursuing my own business plans.
At this point, I’m trying to decide whether I should continue investing time and money into staying in the UK or accept that it may not happen and move back home.
For context:
International graduate
Master’s degree in a fashion technology–related field from a reputable UK university
Around 3–4 years of prior industry experience overseas
Applying since graduation
Getting interviews and reaching final stages, but no offer yet
My questions are:
Is a 3–4 month job search after graduation considered normal in the current UK market?
How much does being on a Graduate Visa realistically affect hiring decisions?
If you were in my position, how long would you continue searching before deciding to leave?
Have others experienced getting to final interview stages repeatedly but struggling to secure an offer?
I’d appreciate honest opinions rather than encouragement for the sake of it.