Can you start a new job during the notice period of an existing job (not redundancy)?

jpo74

I'm in a job that I don't particularly like and am not really suited to (had to take it at the time), my notice is 4 weeks.

What happens if I phone an agency and they offer me a job. Or I find a job through a recent application?

Would I have to decline the job because of the notice period?

Could I take the job (and I'm just speculating here), declare it as a second job (temporarily)?

As it's relatively early days in the job, I wondering whether my employer might consent to letting me go.

agrinnall

Most jobs that you apply directly for will ask what your notice period is, if they don't like it they probably won't interview you, but a month is pretty standard so it shouldn't be a big surprise. Agencies may be more difficult as they are often looking to fill immediate availability vacancies.

You might manage to do two jobs it if both are part time and the hours of the new job can be arranged around those of the old one, but don't be surprised if they say no. And you can ask about being released early but again they can say no.