New job offer, contract for current job

josie.d

I have been offered a new job and my new employers want me to start as soon as possible, fitting the work around my current job until I have worked my notice.

I currently work a zero hour contract, no regular hours and it has been agreed (with the new employers) that the new job is initially going to fit in around what I do with my current employer meaning that my current employer takes priority, so if they offer me work then I take it over work offered my the new company until I have worked my notice out.

However, my contract for my current job states that whilst working my notice I must not work for another individual, company, business etc, and wondered how this would stand legally considering that the new job should not get in the way of my current job while I am working my notice?

josie.d

Anyone have any knowledge of this? I was of the understanding that anyone can have more than one job at a time as long as they don't conflict, which they won't. Just wondering how the contract for my current employer stands up if I were to do both jobs while working my notice

Funky_Bold_Ribena

If you are on a zero hours contract, can't you just work zero hours for the duration of your notice?

They have an almighty cheek offering you a zero hours contract which effectively makes you self employed and then asking you not to work for anyone else.

Also, how would they know you were working for someone else anyway?

pawsies

Probably best to hand notice in now as if they find out you are working for other company they won't be happy.

josie.d

The new employers are aware that I needed to give a set notice, but want me to start sooner. I have already handed my notice and have three weeks left to run on my notice period, just wondered where I stand legally if I work for both companies at once.

Funky_Bold_Ribena

josie.d wrote: »

The new employers are aware that I needed to give a set notice, but want me to start sooner. I have already handed my notice and have three weeks left to run on my notice period, just wondered where I stand legally if I work for both companies at once.

So - start sooner, don't tell the old employer and just accept zero hours until your notice is run. Do they currently owe you any wages?

josie.d

I have just been paid, but will be owed for any work I do until my contract ends in three weeks' time

Funky_Bold_Ribena

josie.d wrote: »

I have just been paid, but will be owed for any work I do until my contract ends in three weeks' time

So don't do any and start your new job.

They can't withhold any money, and there is little else they can do with that one. On a zero hours contract, even if it says that you can't do any work for others - you are basically self employed so it doesn't really matter. Worst case scenario they try and sue you - but what would they be suing you for? It's a zero hours contract so they can't say that they had to get anyone in to cover your work - as you are contracted for zero hours.