Notice period before contract signed?

smileigh

I started a new job at the start of September, in a school. I accepted the job in May but during the summer holidays I had a change of heart about the direction my career is going, which means I don't want to be employed at the school anymore. I've applied for a couple of jobs and am confident that I will get one of them. The issue is that the jobs I've applied for are advertising as needing someone 'ASAP' or immediately. I have not yet signed my contract at the school so I am wondering how much notice I have to give them? Had I signed a contract, it would be the usual 4 weeks. If I give them one week, or two, can they withhold my pay? I doubt I will use them as a reference in the future as I have only been working there for a couple of weeks. I don't want to let them down but I am heading in the wrong direction if I stay there!

t0rt0ise

I should think that as you have been working there you are deemed to have accepted the conditions and therefore 4 weeks' notice is required. You may be able to negotiate less although they may need you to work while they find a replacement.

Jarndyce

t0rt0ise wrote: »

I should think that as you have been working there you are deemed to have accepted the conditions and therefore 4 weeks' notice is required. You may be able to negotiate less although they may need you to work while they find a replacement.

Correct. Doesn't matter whether you have signed the contract or not, you are working and have therefroe affirmed your agreement to it.

You can be sued for breach of contract if you do not give the full contractual notice. That can include the full costs of recruiting and paying for a replacement.

Claree__x

Why don't you just approach them and ask if it would be possible to give 2 weeks instead of 4, I've done this in my previous job and a colleague did it in my current role and the company agreed straight away.