Changes to my contract (notice period)

moneypuddle

I have worked for the same company for the last 6 years. I signed a contract on my first day back in March 2007, which gave my notice period as 4 weeks should I choose to leave.

I have just returned from maternity leave and have cut down to 4 days a week. I have been asked to sign a document that gives me new working hours as 32 rather than 37, which is fine. However they have also added in a line which says that my new notice period would be 'one week for every full year worked' ie 6 weeks notice.

I am not happy about this, as I feel it really affects my ability to find another job. Do I have to sign this? And what happens if I don't? Can I sign part of it ie I accept the new hours, but not the notice period change part?

Thanks

SueC_2

I really wouldn't worry about it.

Firstly because it cuts both ways - the employer also has to give you more notice in the event of redundancy etc. Which in this day and age is ever more likely a prospect.

Secondly because I don't believe it works against you when applying for new jobs. Having a longer notice period can create an impression of your gravitas or 'worth' to the company - the perception being that any old Tom !!!!!! or Harry can be replaced in a week, but only the more senior people with bigger responsibilities are required to be around for longer so they can give an effective handover.

Thirdly because in reality, no employer wants to hang on to an unmotivated employee for longer than necessary. So the chances are that if/when the time came for you to resign, you'd have a pretty decent hope of negotiating that timeframe down a bit.

And finally, if a new employer thinks you are the best candidate for their job, and they're prepared to wait 4 weeks for you, an extra 2 weeks is pretty unlikely to make them settle for a lower calibre candidate instead.

I genuinely believe that longer notice periods protect the employee more than they protect the employer, and that we should all grab as much notice as we can!

Kayalana99

What company is this by slight chance? I just had the same thing happen to me but it turns out that what they mean is they have to give you 6 weeks but my notice period is still just 1 week, although seemingly worded that way on the contract - the staff hand book explains the break down.

It would def be worth asking.

anamenottaken

moneypuddle wrote: »

I have worked for the same company for the last 6 years. I signed a contract on my first day back in March 2007, which gave my notice period as 4 weeks should I choose to leave.

I have just returned from maternity leave and have cut down to 4 days a week. I have been asked to sign a document that gives me new working hours as 32 rather than 37, which is fine. However they have also added in a line which says that my new notice period would be 'one week for every full year worked' ie 6 weeks notice.

I am not happy about this, as I feel it really affects my ability to find another job. Do I have to sign this? And what happens if I don't? Can I sign part of it ie I accept the new hours, but not the notice period change part?

Thanks

The notice period increasing by one week for every completed year of service is the statutory minimum for employers to give employees. It increases at that rate until 12 weeks notice is required.

Statutory notice for an employee to give never increases beyond one week.

Those are minimum notice periods but contracts can increase them. Having them match is common.