Can I start my new job while still employed?

I have recently been offered a new job and I am hoping to start at the beginning of August (still got to wait for checks etc to come through)

I currently work in a school and have told them I plan on using 31st August as my official leaving date. As I work in a school i would be off during August so thought it would be ok starting my new role then. My question (although may be daft but i don't know) is can I start my new role while still technically employed in my current one. 

I understand that I will be taxed more until I am able to pass on my P45 to my new employer, but I have just been told by my current place of work I am not allowed to start while still under contract and that they will inform the tax office of this. 

It may be because I know nothing about this area but I didn't think it would cause any problems as I will not technically be in work any way?

I am changing careers and was banking on the August pay from my current role as the payday at my new job is 2 weeks later, meaning I would be going 6 weeks between paydays which I was hoping to avoid. 

I'm sorry if this is a daft question. It's just an area I am clueless in.
«1

Comments

  • jackieblack
    jackieblack Posts: 10,460 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    If your current job is term time only, your payroll should do a leaving calculation of salary owed whenever you leave so it shouldn’t any difference whether you leave at the end of July or August. The only difference should be one month’s pro-rata holiday pay.
    2.22kWp Solar PV system installed Oct 2010, Fronius IG20 Inverter, south facing (-5 deg), 30 degree pitch, no shading
    Everything will be alright in the end so, if it’s not yet alright, it means it’s not yet the end
    MFW #4 OPs: 2018 £866.89, 2019 £1322.33, 2020 £1337.07
    2021 £1250.00, 2022 £1500.00, 2023 £1500, 2024 £1350
    2025 target = £1200, YTD £460
    Quidquid Latine dictum sit altum videtur
  • megmush
    megmush Posts: 6 Forumite
    First Post
    Yes it's term time plus 5 days (training days which I have already completed for this year) 

    I feel totally out of my depth because this is an area I know nothing about and I genuinely didn't think it would be a problem but I have been told categorically today that I can't do it.
  • Brie
    Brie Posts: 14,095 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    It may be down to "company" policy.  Some allow a second job, some don't.  Some will allow certain jobs but not others.  (bar work is ok but not being a stripper in the same bar).  Best to ask.
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on Debt Free Wannabe and Old Style Money Saving boards.  If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.

    "Never retract, never explain, never apologise; get things done and let them howl.”  Nellie McClung
    ⭐️🏅😇
  • megmush
    megmush Posts: 6 Forumite
    First Post
    It won't be a second job, I am leaving but staying until the end of the school year. As I will have completed the term time plus 5 days I don't want to lose the August pay as I have already earned it.
  • Jillanddy
    Jillanddy Posts: 717 Forumite
    500 Posts Name Dropper
    megmush said:
    It won't be a second job, I am leaving but staying until the end of the school year. As I will have completed the term time plus 5 days I don't want to lose the August pay as I have already earned it.
    But it is a second job if you are still under contract. If you are actually owed money that is already earned,  it will be paid regardless of your leaving date! But the new employer can set any terms they like,  and if they say they won't let you start, that's up to them. I think it's overly pedantic of them,  but it's their right.  So really your only choice is to ask them why,  but it is down to them. 
  • Dazed_and_C0nfused
    Dazed_and_C0nfused Posts: 17,076 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Fifth Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited 10 May 2022 at 5:59PM
    but I have just been told by my current place of work I am not allowed to start while still under contract and that they will inform the tax office of this. 

    Why do they think it's of any interest to HMRC 🤔

    The new (or old) employer may have a policy that prevents this but it's not a tax issue, millions of people have more than one job at the same time.

    I understand that I will be taxed more until I am able to pass on my P45 to my new employer, 

    No you won't.  For tax purposes you would have two jobs at the same time so basic rate tax would be due on the new job.  Tax is based on when you are paid, not when you physically work.  The basic rate (BR) tax code would change when you had your P45.

  • JGB1955
    JGB1955 Posts: 3,792 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    You are leaving your current contract on 31 August (totally normal with school contracts).  I have no idea why your new employer has a problem with this - plenty of people have 2 jobs going at the same time.  Ask them what the problem is....
    #2 Saving for Christmas 2024 - £1 a day challenge. £325 of £366
  • megmush
    megmush Posts: 6 Forumite
    First Post
    JGB1955 said:
    You are leaving your current contract on 31 August (totally normal with school contracts).  I have no idea why your new employer has a problem with this - plenty of people have 2 jobs going at the same time.  Ask them what the problem is....
    It is my current employer that has said I can't do it, I haven't even set a start date with my new employer as I am still waiting for my DBS to come through. 

    I have told my current workplace I will be leaving but haven't officially handed in my notice but told them I will once I have my start date.
  • bargainbetty
    bargainbetty Posts: 3,455 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Speak to your new employer about receiving an advance on salary due to the pay date issues - most firms are aware that this can happen and will offer a partial payment to be claimed back against a later salary date. 

    Then tell your current employer the date you will finish being employed by them and will start with your new firm. 
    Some days, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps....
    LB moment - March 2006. DFD - 1 June 2012!!! DEBT FREE!



    May grocery challenge £45.61/£120
  • General_Grant
    General_Grant Posts: 5,237 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 10 May 2022 at 6:18PM
    megmush said:
    I have recently been offered a new job and I am hoping to start at the beginning of August (still got to wait for checks etc to come through)

    I currently work in a school and have told them I plan on using 31st August as my official leaving date. As I work in a school i would be off during August so thought it would be ok starting my new role then. My question (although may be daft but i don't know) is can I start my new role while still technically employed in my current one.    Unless your current job is one where they could ask you to go in during August, I don't see an issue with your performing some work for a new employer while being on leave with another.  Though I would expect that references have or will be sought from your current employer, why tell them you are starting work for the new employer in August?

    I understand that I will be taxed more until I am able to pass on my P45 to my new employer, (understanding correct in that the P45 will enable your new employer to correct the tax to date situation) but I have just been told by my current place of work I am not allowed to start while still under contract and that they will inform the tax office of this. What nonsense - all your current employer has to submit to HMRC is the leaving information in respect of your employment with them, not tell them you are going to another employer, breaking a contract with them, going abroad or into prison or anything else!  Sounds like someone who is either ignorant of what is required or just being nasty.**

    It may be because I know nothing about this area but I didn't think it would cause any problems as I will not technically be in work any way?

    I am changing careers and was banking on the August pay from my current role as the payday at my new job is 2 weeks later, meaning I would be going 6 weeks between paydays which I was hoping to avoid. 

    I'm sorry if this is a daft question. It's just an area I am clueless in.
    ..**  Don't put anything on social media that you are starting your new job in August, just in case it is someone who wants to be nasty and stir things up and follows your news.

    If it is actually someone who you would expect to know what they are talking about in relation to not working elsewhere in August, ask them to show you where this is written.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 349.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453K Spending & Discounts
  • 242.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 619.5K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.4K Life & Family
  • 255.7K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.