Notice period?

Question

I think I may be offered a new job this afternoon (fingers crossed!!), and have been asked the question "could you give two weeks notice at your current position?"

I do not have a contract at my current job, can I legally give two weeks notice or would it have to be a month? (I get paid monthly)

Also, where i work isn't a very nice place, lots of bitching etc going on, so I can imagine them making my life hell if I do give notice, if this happens can I walk out?

Ps I won't be giving notice until a new job is secure!!

My employer won't give me a contract - I have asked several times for one over the past 12 months. I just know that if he was looking to fire me, he wouldn't give me any notice.

Answer 1

It is always better to give notice. They may accept your resignation immediately, but the mature thing to do is to give notice.

I work in HR, and for those folks who give no notice, I provide that information to potention employers who check references. I state the employee left without notice. It's a red flag to future employers.

Answer 2

If you're in the UK, ignore the people on here who are saying that you don't have to give any notice. You're obliged to give one week. However, there's very little your employer can do if you fail to give it - he would have to show exactly how it's cost him money, take away the wages he's saved by not paying for that week, and sue you for the remainder. A typical example might be if you're a secretary, and get paid £7 per hour, and because you didn't give your week's notice your boss had to get a temp in at £12 per hour, he could sue you for the £5 per hour difference it's cost him during that week.

Especially given that you haven't a contract, when you leave your boss MUST NOT:
- deduct any money from your wages for days that you actually worked;
- fail to pay you any holiday you've accrued but haven't yet taken.

Always remember that you are entitled to be given a contract after you've been there for a month. If you're not, you can write to your employer complaining that he hasn't done it. If he still fails to do it you can receive compensation in the employment tribunal. If your employer sacks you for any of this, it's unfair dismissal and you're entitled to compensation even if you haven't worked there for a year.

Answer 3

Assuming you're in the UK, all employees have a contract of employment, although it might not be in writing. As an employee, you automatically have a contract of employment as soon as you accept a job offer. What you may not have is a 'written statement of employment particulars' setting out your terms of employment. The statutory minimum amount of notice you must give is ONE WEEK when you've worked for your employer for one month or more, and notice can be given verbally or in writing, although it is advisable to at least confirm in writing. On leaving, you should also get paid for any outstanding accrued holiday. The Government site below is worth a visit. Good luck.

Answer 4

Two weeks notice is the standard amount unless you have a contract that requires you to give more. Actually there isn't a legal requirement to give even 2 weeks notice, but it's the customary and right thing to do.

Good luck on getting the new job.

Answer 5

Let your current employer know your situation that your quiting for better job always give 2 week notice to leave on good standing it important this kind of information is log in human resource files that contain hiring & notices of action of displince or anything positive. I think they might be able to process your check fast if you let them know of your situation or you have them mail the check to your house.

Yes, important you let them know as you get word of you being hired. If you walk out on job and quit. It will be question when your apply for different job as your not depenable and lack communication. It always important to do the right thing and let keep your mind on the work even if the place sucks. You will find some job that will like. Even if it means trying different things besides legal.

Answer 6

If you don't have a contract you don't have to give notice .I'd wait till you got it in writing from new job before leaving and this time make sure you get a contract. It is illegal for a company not to issue a contract of employment. You have rights and these should be written in your contract.

Answer 7

I hear you, I hate where I work also... I being trying to find a job for over 2 months... but no one offers me what I am looking for... If I find a job... well I don't know what I will do, because this people do not deserved a notice... Ive seen people fired for nothing at all, and THEY don't give a notice when they have to fire you ..... sorry, but that is how i feel

Answer 8

It's always best to give notice, regardless of the bitching etc. You are a big person am sure you can handle it for another month. Also if you walk off you may not get paid off.

Answer 9

If you're paid monthly then the standard T&Cs would be a months notice. If you went any sooner, they could be awkward and screw up your references, withhold pay etc. Talk to your personnel dept, or your boss. Or use up your holidays.
But you should really have had a contract of employment.

Answer 10

I would give them two weeks notice as you have no contract, its the polite thing to do, then find out if you are owed any holiday, then you can give notice and take the holiday!!