Negotiating Notice Period

AllSpent

I know this subject crops up fairly often, so apologies for going over old ground.

I had my probabtionary period extended earlier this year, and am therefore currently under a four-week notice period. I have been with the company seven months.

I plan on leaving and will likely be over this hurdle which will push me into twelve-week territory as per their policy.

I have never negotitated a notice period before. How likely are they to accept it? I don't imagine they are going to lose from this financially, (I know sometimes companies can insist they will lose money and may need to pursue any loss) but I suspect they will try to keep me on as long as they can. Can they insist I fulfill the twelve-weeks?

Any advice is welcome.

ohreally

AllSpent wrote: »

I have never negotitated a notice period before. How likely are they to accept it?

What can you offer them to negotiate on?

AllSpent

ohreally wrote: »

What can you offer them to negotiate on?

Good point. I hadn't really thought about that.

What can I negotiate on? I think they view me positively and seem to like me, so will that help? Ultimately, the reasons behind me wanting to do this are not their issue and I understand that.

Is saying I don't want to miss a good opportunity to retrain in something else negotiating? Perhaps not...

asajj

Just tell them you would like to leave earlier as you will like to find something else and move on and tell them you will completely hand over your tasks and there won't be issues after you. There isn't really a one way negotiation system for this.

[Deleted User]

AllSpent wrote: »

What can I negotiate on?

Help in filling your role ASAP - it will close the door for you but does work wonders to take the heat away? if you've ever been a tenant wanting to break contract early and losing deposit you'll understand.

Missing a good opportunity not their problem, in fact I remember a 'retract of notice' being presented as the only good 'solution'

Worked 3 out of 4 weeks, lord only knows what gets said about me

marlot

Check your contract in case there's a get out. mine said that the probationary period could be extended by either party.

AllSpent

Deleted%20User wrote: »

if you've ever been a tenant wanting to break contract early and losing deposit you'll understand.

Yes I have; I see your point.

AllSpent

marlot wrote: »

Check your contract in case there's a get out. mine said that the probationary period could be extended by either party.

That's interesting to know, thanks. I had thought it would be helpful if my probationary period was extended; I didn't realise there was a possibility of me extending it. I will check my contract.

InsideInsurance

AllSpent wrote: »

I know sometimes companies can insist they will lose money and may need to pursue any loss) but I suspect they will try to keep me on as long as they can. Can they insist I fulfill the twelve-weeks?

They can only pursue you for losses if (a) you leave before the end of your agreed notice period, which is what is in the contract unless otherwise agreed or (b) there is explicit terms to clawback things like external training costs if you leave within X months of completing the training.

If you agree a 3 week notice with them then they cannot pursue you for anything.


Generally someone who is under their notice period is not going to be working 100% and so its rarely worth keeping them on longer than is needed. The exceptions are clearly going to be when the role/ team is under the cosh already and getting 50% from someone is better than nothing or where the issue is more about sensitive information which they may know in which case you move them to another area or put them on garden leave for the full period of their notice to make that knowledge as desensitive/ old as possible.


The way to negotiate is generally by pointing out how surplus to requirements you are. Teams already under worked, you've spoken to X who's happy to take on your workload or that Project Z will be finished in 5 weeks time and so you propose to finish that off and leave after that rather than pick up something new. Exact details obviously depend on what you do.

AllSpent

The team (and contract) is under quite a lot of pressure, which is why I think they will try to keep me there, even if they sense I am working like a sloth taking a nap.

I know a colleague resigned last week and was put on garden leave, although they were still in their probationary period. I think I may be able to come to some agreement with them once they see I am detemined to go, and perhaps too once I outline some of the main reasons.

Thank you for a comprehensive answer. That has helped me plan what I need to do.