Help with job seeking rights

sbates79

Was looking for a bit of advice from those who know about looking for new roles while still in employment.


I currently work full time Mon-Fri as a trainer in functional skills and have been looking to move to a new sector after 8 years in this sort of role.


The application process and all that goes with it is something I am comfortable with but I am unsure of my rights or how to really deal with looking for work while still employed. Previously I have always been unemployed or under a looming redundancy when searching so not had an issue with getting to interviews. However now I am in situation where I would have to take time off or make a request to go for an interview while still employed.


How have some of you dealt with this issue?


I am not comfortable handing my notice in without having a bit more knowledge on where the money for my next rent cheque is coming from but at the same time I realise asking for short notice leave for interviews might mean confrontation about work commitments etc.


Are UK employers required to allow you time for interviews?


Any advice from previous experience or knowledge would be gratefully received!

tomtontom

No, they are not obliged to give you time off for interviews.

duchy

Annual leave can be used for personal business that needs to dealt with in working hours.

You don't have to give a reason for needing time off -but equally they don't have to grant it.

There is no obligation to give time off for job interviews......why would there be ?

discat11

As above -almost no employer is going to give you time off for interviews (unless they are particularly anxious to get rid of you for some reason of course!) just book days off in accordance with your current contract -you don't ever need to state the reason.

Most job advertisers understand that those presently employed need sufficient notice to get time off in working hours so it shouldn't be an issue.

PlutoinCapricorn

This is something that affects millions of people. Some good companies will interview you outside normal working hours; some naughty people say they have a dental appointment or are feeling ill; some use their holiday time.

sbates79

Thanks all, as I said in the email my previous experience with jobseeking has been where I have been in redundancy where they are obliged to give you time for job interviews. Just thought this might have been something that wasn't specific to redundancy alone.

If I am honest I was more looking for advice on how people without any financial support cope with trying to move jobs and minimise the risk of periods without pay.

My job role has been shifted dramatically and I am being very unfairly treated as a result of this. I really can't afford to quit or resign and the holiday system for me as a teacher means I am often booked up for two months where I am unable to specify a day off if there is training sessions logged in. To put into context I have four weeks of holiday to use up by January but I don't have any full weeks of free space to take any of them.

agrinnall

sbates79 wrote: »

If I am honest I was more looking for advice on how people without any financial support cope with trying to move jobs and minimise the risk of periods without pay.

The sensible way is not to resign until you have a firm commitment for the new job, although even than there can be an issue with a longer than usual gap between pay dates if the two employers pay periods don't align - although conversely you can and up getting paid twice in the same period, which can lead to problems overpaying tax (which would normally sort themselves out of the next few pay periods).

DKLS

Initially you look after yourself. Try and negotiate early morning, lunchtime or early evening interviews where possible.

If that isn't possible, annual leave, sudden sickness/medical/dental appointment, leaking pipe, sick cat whatever you need to do to land the new role with the minimum of disruption to the existing employer.