getting out of notice period

cinek

I got a new job which requires me to start in 7 weeks. Unfortunately my notice period is 12 weeks. Is there any way of getting out of it? I know I can just not come in one day and start my new job but 1. I need the references and 2. I don't really want to burn any bridges. I've asked for it to be reduced and the only answer I got was we'll see what we can do which isn't ideal.

InsideInsurance

How did you end up with a start date before the end of your notice? Surely they asked your notice period and you said 12 weeks?

Assuming you did do this then check the start date is right.

Ultimately, short of breach of contract, you can do nothing but negotiate with your current employers to allow you out early. Look for solutions to their concerns in terms of mentoring someone else to take over from you etc

silentkiller

You should have told them your notice period - I have had many people not work their notice with us and it really irritates me.

Speak to your bosses however, they may be able to help you.

BillJones

Have you already handed in your notice? Whether you have or not, you aren't exactly asking to leave tomorrow, so ask if there is anything that you can do for them that will help them to let you go early. Although they can insist on 12 weeks, they can also choose to be flexible. One thing that you can do, of course, is to take no holiday until the end of your notice period, and then ask to take it all in one lump, and be released early that way.

Undervalued

BillJones wrote: »

One thing that you can do, of course, is to take no holiday until the end of your notice period, and then ask to take it all in one lump, and be released early that way.

You can certainly ask and they may well agree but they are not obliged to do that either. They could insist on paying you for the untaken holiday after you leave.

That said most firms are sensible enough to realise that it is not generally very productive to force somebody to work who really doesn't want to be there. With a bit of care it should be possible to negotiate a compromise.