notice period

Mushisushi

I've just handed in my notice to my employer and been informed that it's a 3 month notice period. I've been with the company 4 months and come to the conclusion that some of their work practices are unhealthy. Yes, I should have read the contract properly, before you say it! As I understand it the legal minimum is 1 weeks notice if you have been there from over a month. Is the 3 months enforceable? Am I contractually obliged to accept it, or is there something I can do about it?

74jax

Did you sign your contract?

My notice was 3 months and it was hell on earth. 

Mushisushi

74jax said:

Did you sign your contract?

My notice was 3 months and it was hell on earth. 

Yes! I'll remember to read it next time!

f5morg

notice period is there in my eyes so you can leave officially with a work history they can back up, be paid accurately and not breach the contract. If you don't care about references and a continued work history you can just leave. If you want to leave amicably, but early. you need to ask if that is possible and if so put it in writing so neither of you breaches contract. Does your contract have a probationary period with a different notice period?

Undervalued

f5morg said:

notice period is there in my eyes so you can leave officially with a work history they can back up, be paid accurately and not breach the contract. If you don't care about references and a continued work history you can just leave. If you want to leave amicably, but early. you need to ask if that is possible and if so put it in writing so neither of you breaches contract. Does your contract have a probationary period with a different notice period?

But if you do you are in breach of contract and risk being sued for any losses that causes the firm. It doesn't happen all that often but it does sometimes.

Undervalued

74jax said:

Did you sign your contract?

My notice was 3 months and it was hell on earth. 

It doesn't matter whether the OP did or not. He was aware of the terms and agreed to them by working and getting paid.

Mushisushi

f5morg said:

notice period is there in my eyes so you can leave officially with a work history they can back up, be paid accurately and not breach the contract. If you don't care about references and a continued work history you can just leave. If you want to leave amicably, but early. you need to ask if that is possible and if so put it in writing so neither of you breaches contract. Does your contract have a probationary period with a different notice period?

Yes it does. 3 months. I’ve been there four months.

ive never heard of anyone putting more than two weeks as notice before. Next time I get given a contract I will be sure to read it and not just skim over it!

Jillanddy

ive never heard of anyone putting more than two weeks as notice before

I've never heard of anyone having only two weeks! Which certainly doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It means that what anyone has heard of is irrelevant. Notice periods are notices periods - employers are not very likely to negotiate. If you want the job then you agree the contract. And haggling your notice period before you even start is not a good look - the employer may easily decide that candidate no, 2 is looking increasingly preferable to the one that wants to argue about leaving before they start/

krusty101

Try and negotiate with them to reduce it. If it’s a a no you can walk, they are highly unlikely to sue you! They could be malicious and put it in a reference, but i doubt it. 

Mushisushi

krusty101 said:

Try and negotiate with them to reduce it. If it’s a a no you can walk, they are highly unlikely to sue you! They could be malicious and put it in a reference, but i doubt it. 

Generally, this is my thinking too. I work in an industry with often unhealthy expectations and high pressures that can go too far and step over the mark, as it has in this instance. Not too bothered about the reference. I’ll play it by ear. If they step over the mark again during the notice period, I will probably walk. The Covid situation adds another dynamic, of course, with industries not taking due diligence in protecting staff.

[Deleted User]

Mushisushi said:

Yes! I'll remember to read it next time!

Don't knock yourself - I think it comes down to the role, manager views and whether they think they can turn you.

I recently gave notice in telesales at 6 months on a hiding I had more protection as I think there is an underlying proviso in those roles to go immediately. I should have remembered one time I went for a more demanding role with a local company, who boosted they had just let the telesales team go as first out of the door when it came to making cuts. I ended up just grateful to barter some time on my side. Certainly learnt a lesson in pesky unequal notice periods! 

You can negotiate in some work places.