Notice During Probabtionary Period

MrsR28

Hi All,

I'm hoping you can help. I started a job last year with a 6 month probationary period which is up on 1st March. I haven't had any meetings with my boss during this time however the job isn't for me. I've been offered a new job and they want me to start on 20th March.
My notice during my probation period is 1 week and 4 weeks after that. So to be able to start my new job on 20th March I would need to hand 4 weeks notice in on 20th Feb. The only issue with this is I'm still on probation. My question is if I hand my notice in on 20th Feb can they force me to leave within a week as per my contract? Or do they have to accept my 4 weeks notice?
I can't speak to my boss about it as we don't have a good relationship.

Mersey_2

There isn't the usual problem people post about (new job could fall through waiting for you to work 4 weeks' notice).


So is the only worry that you may lose out on some pay? ie you could give 7 days' notice on 1st March and leave on the 9th. Most employers don't make staff work the full notice period anyway.


Giving notice on 20th Feb wouldn't mean you need to give 4 weeks' notice or be entitled to 4 weeks' PILON, so you're probably best waiting a bit.


Usually I'd suggest negotiating eg a fortnight's notice, but as the relationship is bad I assume this won't be an option.

[Deleted User]

Could be totally business dependant - tho I think it would be more wise to prepare that it will be a week. ..maybe the blow can be eased if due holiday pay?

Last couple of years now, I've found it's always been out as soon as which isn't no bad thing, just my experience. Though one time I came close to handing in notice and caught wind that probation was then being at the point of being brought forward for discussion, but even that was still a week. Though they did take me back at less then 24 hours notice so cannot grumble.

Afraid the direct.gov link is kind of in the employer's favour as it states an employer can tell you how much notice to serve (if they so wish) moreso under the 24 months of service and if contractual terms are as statutory guidelines.

da_rule

You could serve notice on 28th Feb (still in your probation) to expire on 19th March, as you'd still be in your probation period at the time of serving the notice you only have to give a week.

By the time the employer has read it etc you may be out of your probation period so any notice they want to serve would have to be 4 weeks.

Undervalued

MrsR28 wrote: »

Hi All,

I'm hoping you can help. I started a job last year with a 6 month probationary period which is up on 1st March. I haven't had any meetings with my boss during this time however the job isn't for me. I've been offered a new job and they want me to start on 20th March.
My notice during my probation period is 1 week and 4 weeks after that. So to be able to start my new job on 20th March I would need to hand 4 weeks notice in on 20th Feb. The only issue with this is I'm still on probation. My question is if I hand my notice in on 20th Feb can they force me to leave within a week as per my contract? Or do they have to accept my 4 weeks notice?
I can't speak to my boss about it as we don't have a good relationship.

Keep in mind that with less than two years service they could respond by dismissing you simply by giving a week's notice (unless your contract specifies more). They don't have to give any reason and as you say "the relationship is bad" it is a possibility.