do you have to work your notice?

Question

i was told that I have to give 4 weeks notice with my job. if i am asked to start my new job before that, am I legally bound to do so?

Answer 1

Yes you are legall bound to see out your contract,

However, "working" your notice is something else. Whilst you may attand your place of work. "Work" is the last thing you should do. I find playing and the internet and upsetting people with how much your pay rise will be the most conductive use of your notice period

Answer 2

Four weeks sounds a little extreme. Did you sign a contract for that? Now the question is about the "legally bound" comment. If you contractually signed that you would give a four week notice, the answer is "yes," but if an employer simply asks for four weeks, you are not obligated.

The only reason to give a notice at all is for a good referral in the future that will vouch for you as reliable ... but things come up. Often a new employer cannot wait two or four weeks for you to start a new job and you have to do what you have to do.

Read your contract and make your own decision of what you are willing to do or not do for your current employer. The odds are they wouldn't give you a four week notice if they were terminating you... what's fair is fair.

Answer 3

If they're right about having reached the point with them when you have to give 4 weeks notice (ie this tallies with your employment contract and you're not in probation or anything that might require a shorter period), then yes - you are legally bound to work this.

Having said that, it is rare for a company to follow up on an employer who just ups and leaves or doesn't work out the full notice period. What would be the point - to force someone into work who really doesn't want to be there and who might damage the business in some way as a result? I'm not saying it could never happen that they pursue you legally, but it would be uncommon.

2 other points to consider though are

1) If you get paid in advance in any way - eg being paid on the 15th half in arrears and half in advance for the month - make sure you don't leave owing any money for days you don't actually work.
2) Is a reference from your current company important? If you leave on a bad note, it might jeopardise this.

Good luck.

Answer 4

If that is what is in your contract then yes, I'm afraid so. Although you can take any holidays which you are owed, (again the amount of holidays should be specified in your contract.)

Having said all that, if you choose not to work your notice, the things the company could do is take you to court (but they would have to prove that your absense has affected the business) and with hold your pay (not sure of the legality of this).

Nothing to stop you from 'being ill' though. :)
Good luck

Answer 5

Read the policy clearly and make sure you read the fine print.

Many companies ask people to compensate by paying money equal to salary of the notice period. Some companies also allow you to compensate part of notice period with accumulated leave and rest with money.

If there are no such options then you are legally bound.

Answer 6

Yes you do have to give your employers 4 weeks notice of your intention to leave. It gives them time to work out how much pay to give you and how much holiday (if any) you have got left up until you leave.

Answer 7

Go sick for weeks,then self certificate for the final week your old employer will get the hint.

Answer 8

It depends on whether or not you signed a contract to the fact.

Answer 9

Check the Contract you sign if you Signed one you with a clause then your Stuck!!!


Wahoo!!!

Answer 10

think so.... think that is right yeah..