Handing in my notice - contract not signed yet

Susan101

Hi everyone,

Just wondering if someone could advise me - I'm looking to hand in my notice at a job but I've not signed and returned the written contract for my new role yet. Should I go ahead and give in my notice (my new role is due to start in four weeks on Monday, so time is getting tight...), or should I wait until I actually get the contract in hand?

I have the new job, and have verbally accepted, the offer was then confirmed in email, but I have not seen or signed a contract yet...

Thanks

Guest101

How much notice must you give?

Susan101

One month, so I need to do it this week, really - although I can shorten my notice period by using up my holiday, so that buys me another few days...

I'm wondering if there is any sort of risk implied if I were to hand in my notice, and not end up getting my new contract for some reason. I could rescind my notice at my current role should this happen, but I should think it would weaken my position in my current job as they would know I was trying to leave...

Guest101

Susan101 wrote: »

One month, so I need to do it this week, really - although I can shorten my notice period by using up my holiday, so that buys me another few days... - Assuming your employer lets you do that

I'm wondering if there is any sort of risk implied if I were to hand in my notice, and not end up getting my new contract for some reason. I could rescind my notice at my current role should this happen, but I should think it would weaken my position in my current job as they would know I was trying to leave...

There's a lot of risk, your current employer doesn't have to accept a rescinded notice


Your new employer should really be providing you with sufficient opportunity to work out notice before a start date. I'd be asking them to confirm unconditional offer and extend the start date

74jax

I wouldn't hand in your notice until you have the contract.


Speak to the new employer, say that you believe the start date is XYZ and that you haven't had the contract yet so haven't handed your notice in.


You could ask them to send it via email maybe?

Susan101

Okay, good advice, guys. I'll hold-off giving in my notice until I have the contract in-hand from the new employer.

Thanks

LittleVoice

Did they say they would send a contract? Have they said the offer is unconditional (ie not subject to receipt of satisfactory references or medical examination)?
There is no requirement in law to provide a written contract and generally written particulars of employment do not have to be provided until you have worked somewhere 2 months (though most employers provide them at the start of employment or at offer).

cardsguy

I have never and will never accept a new role without seeing the written contract - email offers or verbal agreements are OK for accepting the offer in principle. Honestly no employer as of yet has expected me to give notice or accept the offer without me first seeing the finalised contract.

ohreally

A written contract is extremely unlikely and as LittleVoice has informed, a written statement is not required until after you have started employment, this is provided for by ERA 1996...

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/18/part/I/crossheading/right-to-statements-of-employment-particulars