Giving 21 weeks notice instead of 4?

shane8961

Hi all,

I am off to New Zealand in august. One of the main reasons for the decision is that I do not like my current job. I have to give 4 weeks notice, however I dont want to leave until the end of July, but work are constantly loading more and more work on me and want me to learn some new skills/software which I do not want to. I believe if I handed my notice in now I wouldn't have to learn the skills/software they want me to.

However could this cause any problems? Could they sack me? Or say that I can only give 4 weeks notice and have to leave in 4 weeks? Any links to articles or advice gratefully received.

Shane

Astaroth

Depending on how long you have been there they could dismiss you (if you have been under 12 months they basically dont have to give a reason)

Even if you give 21 weeks notice you are still an employee and therefore they may still insist that you learn the new skills/ software whilst you are there... now obviously it is generally a waste of money training someone who is going to be leaving in the near future but that doesnt mean that some companies dont do it.

shane8961

I have only been here 7 months. Surely they cant just get rid of me without a proper reason? Wouldnt that be unfair dismissal?

Basically, I took a job as graphics designer with the company, I have already taking on the IT support and web design/promotion which used done be done "out of house" but has all been lumbered on me. Know they want me to learn how to use AutoCAD (Which I have never used before, nor have any interest in wanting to learn) to draw conservatories for clients (Havent got a clue about conservatories let alone drawing them).

Im really not happy about it at all, but need to try and keep the job until july when I go to new zealand.

Shane

seven-day-weekend

My husband gave a years' notice to take early retirement (actuarily reduced) from teaching, but that was because it could be refused for six months and he didn't want the hassle of applying for it again if it was (it could only be refused once).

I think your company would probably still expect you to do the work, you're still an employee up until the day you leave.

Just MHO though.

Astaroth

shane8961 wrote:

I have only been here 7 months. Surely they cant just get rid of me without a proper reason? Wouldnt that be unfair dismissal?

My understanding is basically that unless you can prove that your dismissal was due to an 'ism then no it is not unfair dismissal for employees with less than 12 months service.

It may be worth contacting ACAS who are an independent employment advice service who will be much more knowledgeable. My one word of caution on them is that they deal with the letter of the law and tend to ignore the reality of the world that people who make waves/ enforce their rights etc dont tend to have strong career prospects with their current employers (though in your situation this obviously not really an issue)

janine22

Astaroth is correct re: the minimum time limit for unfair dismissal.

May I just ask why you plan to hand in your notice so early? In your position I would wait and hand in my notice approx 8 weeks prior to leaving.

shane8961

Because they are wanting me to do some training and take on extra "jobs" which I do not want to do (they're in no way related to the job I applied for).

camper

Would this extra training help with future employment?

Auto-Cad is used for far more than conservatories! Could look good on the CV.

shane8961

It could if I wanted to do something using AutoCAD but I dont lol, hence not applyinh for a CAD job. I took the job as "graphic designer" and my role being designing brochures, adverts etc, I have already taken on extra responsibilities of IT support and webdesign which where not originally my job (we paid an external company before).

I already have more work than I can keep up with and have told her this but all I ever seem to get is the same answer "well try and keep on top of it" and now she wants to give me MORE work.

Golden_Oldie

Probably the easiest way would be to get them to sack you. You could maybe just not turn up to work for a few days or or just keep turning up late each day. Not ideal I know as this wouldn't look good on your c.v. however you'll sleep alot easier at night. :j

LittleVoice

Though unfair dismissal (except for sex, race, etc discrimination) wouldn't apply, there is the possibility of wrongful dismissal.

I must say that if I were offered the chance to be trained on a computer application, I would take it, even if it didn't particularly interest me at the time. It doesn't have to go on your CV but there may be a time when you would want to be able to say you had that skill (or simply that you learned that application in a particular length of time - showing you were a "quick learner").

Then again, I'm not you and you have decided you don't want to do this type of thing. Why not just give them four weeks notice and take any temp work you can get before you leave the country.