Notice period

choobles

Hi all!

Just a question, I have a potential for a new job coming up. I've been in my current job just a month shy of two years. I understand that I'm obliged to give two weeks notice but what are the ramifications if I say I'm starting next week?

Thanks!

tatli_lokma

you are actually obliged to give whatever notice is in your contract, with a mimimum of 2 weeks. If you contract says 1 mth this is what you should be giving. Technically, if I remember correctly, they can hold you to whatever is in your contract, and take you to court for breach of contract were you to give less notice although in reality very few companuies will bother.
What more likely could happen is that they will be unwilling to give you a good reference. Whilst they can't give you a 'bad' reference as in slate you, they can give a reference in such a way that any future employer will be able to read between the lines and see that things did not end well.

Ireland is a small pond, you never know when people will return into your career path. I would try to avoid p!ssing anyone off like this.

Do you have any holidays due that you could take in lieu of notice?

You don't even have the job yet, so it could all be a moot point. I would be more likely to ask the new employer if they would be willing to allow you meet your notice period. Most will be willing if you are a good candidate. Interview is a good time to ask this question (phrased correctly of course! ) Very few employers will expect you to start with less than 2 weeks notice. If they say that they will need someone within 1 week of the offer, then you should let your current employer know you have applied for a job and if you get it will be required to start immediately. Its only fair.

choobles

Little Ted wrote: »

you are actually obliged to give whatever notice is in your contract, with a mimimum of 2 weeks. If you contract says 1 mth this is what you should be giving. Technically, if I remember correctly, they can hold you to whatever is in your contract, and take you to court for breach of contract were you to give less notice although in reality very few companuies will bother.
What more likely could happen is that they will be unwilling to give you a good reference. Whilst they can't give you a 'bad' reference as in slate you, they can give a reference in such a way that any future employer will be able to read between the lines and see that things did not end well.

Ireland is a small pond, you never know when people will return into your career path. I would try to avoid p!ssing anyone off like this.

Do you have any holidays due that you could take in lieu of notice?

You don't even have the job yet, so it could all be a moot point. I would be more likely to ask the new employer if they would be willing to allow you meet your notice period. Most will be willing if you are a good candidate. Interview is a good time to ask this question (phrased correctly of course! ) Very few employers will expect you to start with less than 2 weeks notice. If they say that they will need someone within 1 week of the offer, then you should let your current employer know you have applied for a job and if you get it will be required to start immediately. Its only fair.

Hi Little Ted,

Thanks for the great response!

I was just wondering my options in all possibilities and you've answered everything!

Thanks!

Eoin

Little Ted wrote: »

Whilst they can't give you a 'bad' reference as in slate you, they can give a reference in such a way that any future employer will be able to read between the lines and see that things did not end well.

They can give a negative reference once they can back it up.

Little Ted wrote: »

Do you have any holidays due that you could take in lieu of notice?

Just keep in mind that you're not automatically entitled to take your leave during your notice period. Your employer might choose to pay you any outstanding leave instead.

Little Ted wrote: »

Ireland is a small pond, you never know when people will return into your career path. I would try to avoid p!ssing anyone off like this.

Agreed!

the_syco

If they've been good to you, offer a months resignation, enough time to train up your replacement. As said; Ireland is a small place.

=-=

As for references, the company could ask would they hire you again, and a "no" speaks volumes, so play nice with the current people.

tatli_lokma

+1 to all of the above.

When I said 'bad' reference I meant that they couldn't slag you off in an unprofessional manner or say things about you that weren't true. Providing up to the time you left you were a good employee they can't say otherwise. However, they can make sure to let a future employer know that they were unhappy with how your employment ended. Or as the_syco says saying they would not hire you again would be a very negative thing for a prospective employer to hear.

As for the holidays, the reason I ask, is that although the employer can reject your request to use your hols in lieu of notice, if you have holidays available it is worth a try. Particularly now, many employers would be happy to let you use your hols as notice, as then they wouldn't have the extra cost of paying you for 4 weeks and paying out your hols when you leave. It depends on the company you are in/boss you have.