Can I start my new job while still employed? 10 May 2022 at 5:02PM in Employment, jobseeking & training 18 replies 412 views

megmush

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.

jackieblack

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.

megmush

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

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.

megmush

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

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

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

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....

megmush

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

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. 

General_Grant

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.