Offered new job while still on probation with current job...

MasterDebator

Hi all, wall of text incoming!

I've been in a job since December 2014 on a three month probation period. The job itself has been a stressful nightmare within an worryingly exploitative environment and I've honestly hated every minute (despite being surrounding by amazing colleagues). I began applying for new jobs shortly after starting, and was recently offered a nice job in a much larger (and well renowned for staff satisfaction) company that I know will be much better for me in many ways. I was offered the position on a conditional basis while all the necessary checks were made. The checks, however, have taken a little longer than anticipated (my final checks take place this Friday and then I've been told I can safely hand my notice in.) All well and good you'd think. The problem is, I accepted the new job while still on probation, but my current employer has now made me permanent and given me a contract that switches up my notice period from one week to one month. I haven't signed my contract yet. I'll be able to hand in my notice next Monday and I really, really, REALLY don't want to give this damn place four weeks. (I have around four days holiday accrued by the way.) I was intending on giving them a fortnight just to be nice while within my probationary period (they recently let an employee of over a years service go with only two weeks notice), but I'm fearful they could insist that I stay for the full four weeks.

Am I still technically on probation if I haven't signed my contract yet? What potential issues could I be facing? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

[Deleted User]

MasterDebator wrote: »

The problem is, I accepted the new job while still on probation, but my current employer has now made me permanent and given me a contract that switches up my notice period from one week to one month. I haven't signed my contract yet. I'll be able to hand in my notice next Monday and I really, really, REALLY don't want to give this damn place four weeks. (I have around four days holiday accrued by the way.) I was intending on giving them a fortnight just to be nice while within my probationary period (they recently let an employee of over a years service go with only two weeks notice), but I'm fearful they could insist that I stay for the full four weeks.

Am I still technically on probation if I haven't signed my contract yet? What potential issues could I be facing? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

To make you permanent they must have been happy with your work which is where I'm fearful your not in for an easy time, from regrettable experience it doesn't matter what hasn't been signed or looked at, nor does another employee's treatment EVER come into it, nor the 2 year rule often quoted on here for the reverse if boot were on the other foot so to speak, yep it was tried

The only way I found it 'smoothed' if you like (please don't ask me how it ended) and could have left a day earlier was when the company managed to find an 'immediate replacement' as ironic as it got

OR if their not busy and going under, they may also let you go happy but don't expect it and they really can hold you to notice and not grant holiday use, so I'd be really, really humble and hope there aren't holidays booked

I have no idea if I get a reference from the employer concerned re enquiry about consequences, although they accepted me as a customer without issues, I've never dared open any mail from them
Hope I never land up in this situation again and not one I envy.

LittleVoice

MasterDebator wrote: »

Hi all, wall of text incoming!

I've been in a job since December 2014 on a three month probation period. The job itself has been a stressful nightmare within an worryingly exploitative environment and I've honestly hated every minute (despite being surrounding by amazing colleagues). I began applying for new jobs shortly after starting, and was recently offered a nice job in a much larger (and well renowned for staff satisfaction) company that I know will be much better for me in many ways. I was offered the position on a conditional basis while all the necessary checks were made. The checks, however, have taken a little longer than anticipated (my final checks take place this Friday and then I've been told I can safely hand my notice in.) All well and good you'd think. The problem is, I accepted the new job while still on probation, but my current employer has now (when is "now"? - today, last week?) made me permanent and given me a contract that switches up my notice period from one week to one month. I haven't signed my contract yet. (Does it require signing by you? Has it been signed on behalf of the employer?) I'll be able to hand in my notice next Monday and I really, really, REALLY don't want to give this damn place four weeks. (I have around four days holiday accrued by the way.) I was intending on giving them a fortnight just to be nice while within my probationary period (they recently let an employee of over a years service go with only two weeks notice), but I'm fearful they could insist that I stay for the full four weeks.

Am I still technically on probation if I haven't signed my contract yet? (I'd say "not necessarily", especially if you have not actually queried the notice period.) What potential issues could I be facing? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

If they could show that you had accepted the terms, including the increased notice, because you had not objected to any, then they would say you had to give the longer notice. If you left without working the full notice, they could seek costs from you in respect of replacing you during the unworked notice period - but only any additional costs above what they would have paid you.


By the way, you could not insist they allow you to take the holiday during your notice period.