Offer letter and contact differ

JackeeBoy

Hi all

I have recently passed my probation at my new work place. One ongoing matter was a lack of a contract. Brought it up a few times but nothing ever happened so just left it until I passed my probation. Chased it and one was hastily sent across which had the wrong title, working hours etc. Raised this and they have sent another for me to check and agree to but notice the notice period is 4 weeks. Managed to dig out the offer letter I received before I joined and it says a notice period of 3 months.

Now, I am not looking to leave and very happy working here, but that is a big difference. I am just a little nervous about questioning this as I don't want to give off the wrong impression.

Should I?

ohreally

If all else suits, sign it off.

brightonman123

Send them a copy of your offer, and ask for contract to be amended.

Undervalued

JackeeBoy wrote: »

Hi all

I have recently passed my probation at my new work place. One ongoing matter was a lack of a contract. Brought it up a few times but nothing ever happened so just left it until I passed my probation. Chased it and one was hastily sent across which had the wrong title, working hours etc. Raised this and they have sent another for me to check and agree to but notice the notice period is 4 weeks. Managed to dig out the offer letter I received before I joined and it says a notice period of 3 months.

Now, I am not looking to leave and very happy working here, but that is a big difference. I am just a little nervous about questioning this as I don't want to give off the wrong impression.

Should I?

Notice which way?

Not having to give them 3 months notice could possibly be convenient for you if you decided to change jobs at some point in the future.

Only being entitled to four weeks notice from them is obviously less appealing. However, depending on how long you have worked there, it gradually becomes less relevant. Regardless of what the contract says they cannot give you less than the statutory minimum notice which is one week for each complete year of service (up to a maximum of 12).

If they provide a contract then you are bound by any lawful terms in it unless you positively reject it. Just not signing it is not sufficient.

TELLIT01

As the new contract actually seems to work in your favour ie having to give 4 weeks notice rather than 3 months I see no reason not to sign it.

ReadingTim

TELLIT01 wrote: »

As the new contract actually seems to work in your favour ie having to give 4 weeks notice rather than 3 months I see no reason not to sign it.

The reverse also applies, and that's less great: if they decide they want to get rid of you and give you PILON, you only get 1 month's worth of money instead of 3....

Admittedly, it's more usually the employee giving the notice rather than the employer, but it does happen...

JackeeBoy

To answer a few questions above, the notice period works both ways. I was with a place for 5 years previously before moving to another job before this, but the last job I had was a small company and long story short, I got screwed over as they cut cost in order to make the company look better as they were selling it. This company is of a similar size so having 3 months notice, especially within my first year, is ideal as 4 weeks is little time to be looking for another job if you've be let go out of the blue.

Unlikely to happen here but as it's such a big difference, wanted to see if it was worth bringing up or not.

Undervalued

ReadingTim wrote: »

The reverse also applies, and that's less great: if they decide they want to get rid of you and give you PILON, you only get 1 month's worth of money instead of 3....

Admittedly, it's more usually the employee giving the notice rather than the employer, but it does happen...

Remember there is no legal requirement for the notice periods, either way, to be equal and a long standing employee has some additional protection as I explained in my previous post.

ohreally

JackeeBoy wrote:

especially within my first year, is ideal as 4 weeks is little time to be looking for another job if you've be let go

If your employer wants you gone then in those circs you will be exited out the door regardless of what you consider to be beneficial.

Undervalued

ohreally wrote: »

If your employer wants you gone then in those circs you will be exited out the door regardless of what you consider to be beneficial.

Yes but unless they can justifiably claim the OP has committed gross misconduct then the employer is obliged to pay the contracted notice.

Dox

JackeeBoy wrote: »

To answer a few questions above, the notice period works both ways. I was with a place for 5 years previously before moving to another job before this, but the last job I had was a small company and long story short, I got screwed over as they cut cost in order to make the company look better as they were selling it. This company is of a similar size so having 3 months notice, especially within my first year, is ideal as 4 weeks is little time to be looking for another job if you've be let go out of the blue.

Unlikely to happen here but as it's such a big difference, wanted to see if it was worth bringing up or not.

If it matters to you, raise the point.