How long to wait for my leaving date?

Timberflake1983 · 13 September 2017 at 2:27PM

Hi guys, I handed my notice in at work last Thursday and requested a one month notice period (my contract says three), what's a reasonable amount of time for them to come back to me on this?

They're trying to keep me and want me in London next week to make an offer even though I told them my mind is made up and I can't help but think they're delaying things. Thing is, my new in employer is chasing for me to confirm my start date.

I chased them up yesterday and they said it was 'being worked on' but it can't be that hard just to agree a date they're happy for me to leave?

Scorpio33 · 13 September 2017 at 2:38PM

Depends on your role and how quickly they can replace you. If they want to keep you, it is unlikely they will let you go early.

If your contract states 3 months, expect 3 months. The contract states 3 months as that is what they feel they need to replace you usually.

If the new employer asks, tell them definitely in 3 months, but you are pushing for an earlier date.

You can't promise an earlier date and your current employees may well hold you to the contractual obligation.

Timberflake1983 · 13 September 2017 at 2:44PM

I understand that bit it wasn't my question. My question is how long is reasonable for them to come back with a response on whether they're happy for me to leave early? It's been a week tomorrow since I handed my notice and request in and I just want to know where I stand

marliepanda · 13 September 2017 at 2:46PM

Timberflake1983 wrote: »

I understand that bit it wasn't my question. My question is how long is reasonable for them to come back with a response on whether they're happy for me to leave early? It's been a week tomorrow since I handed my notice and request in and I just want to know where I stand

There is no reasonable really. We couldnt possibly comment on the reasonable time it is for them to assess what needs doing within that three months, if they have the staff, if theyd need cover, whether they can do it in your absence etc.

They need to see if your needs fit in with their business needs, and they have from 1 day to 3 months (as contracted) to decide.

ReadingTim · 13 September 2017 at 2:50PM

Given you want them to do you a favour, it's probably a good idea not to be too moralistic about what is, and isn't, "reasonable".

Why didn't you tell your new employer that you had a 3 month notice period?

Timberflake1983 · 13 September 2017 at 2:54PM

I did tell them I had 3 months but they wanted me in sooner which is c'mon in my experience. I requested one month but thought 2 months would be reasonable.

ReadingTim · 13 September 2017 at 3:16PM

ok, well, it's common/reasonable for a new employer to want you to start as soon as possible. And it's not uncommon/unreasonable for you to ask if you can leave the old place earlier than contracted, in the hope of an amicable agreement which suits all parties.

What is unreasonable is for your new employer to expect you can start earlier than your notice period, or for you to expect that your old employer should let you off your contractual notice period.

I'd give it until the end of next week and if you've not heard anything, or managed to sort anything out, simply say to your new employer that you've done your best, but the old place are holding you to your contract and there's nothing more you can do.

TELLIT01 · 13 September 2017 at 3:23PM

When I was in a similar position my employer initially refused point blank to shorten the notice period because it was going to take time to get a replacement in. If your role needs 3 months notice, it's not unreasonable to suspect that your potential replacement will have to give the same amount.
I certainly think you are being extremely unrealistic if you think they should give you an answer within a week. Until and unless you hear to the contrary you should assume a 3 month notice period and work to that timescale.
In the end my employer agreed to 6 week rather than 2 month notice in my case.

Takeaway_Addict · 13 September 2017 at 4:44PM

Timberflake1983 wrote: »

I understand that bit it wasn't my question. My question is how long is reasonable for them to come back with a response on whether they're happy for me to leave early? It's been a week tomorrow since I handed my notice and request in and I just want to know where I stand

3 months is reasonable...

AylesburyDuck · 13 September 2017 at 4:53PM

Your not being reasonable with wanting a one month notice so really they dont have to be reasonable giving you a timescale now do they.
Push for it and they will probably turn round and expect you to work the full 3 months.

getmore4less · 13 September 2017 at 5:19PM

What evidence or proposal went along with this early release request that showed the business would not suffer?

How long to wait for my leaving date?

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