Handing in Notice

Glen_Quagmire

Hi Guys

I have been offered a job with a large multinational company. I received a phone call a couple of days after the interview to offer me the job with a follow up email outlining salary, benefits, start date etc.

I am still waiting for the contract to be sent to me which I wanted to sign and return before handing in my notice to my current employer. The contract is taking a little longer than I expected and I am conscious of my start date with my new employer and the required notice period with my current employer.

I emailed the new employer and asked when I should expect to receive the contract and they have replied saying it's currently being done up and I will have it soon. I am also going through a vetting process with the new employer.

Am I right to hang on until the contract is signed and returned before handing in my notice or would it be safe enough to do so now based on the offer of employment email and follow up emails with HR?

starfruit2510

Glen_Quagmire wrote: »

Hi Guys

I have been offered a job with a large multinational company. I received a phone call a couple of days after the interview to offer me the job with a follow up email outlining salary, benefits, start date etc.

I am still waiting for the contract to be sent to me which I wanted to sign and return before handing in my notice to my current employer. The contract is taking a little longer than I expected and I am conscious of my start date with my new employer and the required notice period with my current employer.

I emailed the new employer and asked when I should expect to receive the contract and they have replied saying it's currently being done up and I will have it soon. I am also going through a vetting process with the new employer.

Am I right to hang on until the contract is signed and returned before handing in my notice or would it be safe enough to do so now based on the offer of employment email and follow up emails with HR?

I would give notice asap, had a similar experience with previous job, I could only give 3weeks notice cos I had agreed to start date, employer required 4 so were not very happy with me

marienbad

Glen_Quagmire wrote: »

Hi Guys

I have been offered a job with a large multinational company. I received a phone call a couple of days after the interview to offer me the job with a follow up email outlining salary, benefits, start date etc.

I am still waiting for the contract to be sent to me which I wanted to sign and return before handing in my notice to my current employer. The contract is taking a little longer than I expected and I am conscious of my start date with my new employer and the required notice period with my current employer.

I emailed the new employer and asked when I should expect to receive the contract and they have replied saying it's currently being done up and I will have it soon. I am also going through a vetting process with the new employer.

Am I right to hang on until the contract is signed and returned before handing in my notice or would it be safe enough to do so now based on the offer of employment email and follow up emails with HR?

wait is my advice . a bird in the hand ....

helimachoptor

Wait for the contract.

pauliebdub

I wouldn't resign until the contract is signed.

Explain that to the new place and rearrange your start date to reflect any delay unless your old job allows a reduced notice period. A week isn't going to make a huge difference.

pauliebdub

starfruit2510 wrote: »

I would give notice asap, had a similar experience with previous job, I could only give 3weeks notice cos I had agreed to start date, employer required 4 so were not very happy with me

That's terrible advice, you could be screwed if the new place recinded the job offer before sending out a contract.

Stheno

pauliebdub wrote: »

That's terrible advice, you could be screwed if the new place recinded the job offer before sending out a contract.

Or if op doesnt pass the vetting. The vetting is likely holding up the contract

9or10

Definately wait.

Ideally you'd have agreed a start date with your new employer as - period of notice from offer.

If you haven't got the contract and are still going through vetting ....

bucketybuck

Wait for the contract.

Its right to be fair to your current employer but only to a point, do whats best for you first. If you hand in your notice and then find out the new contract was held up by some problem that now means the job offer is rescinded you will be left in a tricky position. Better to wait for the contract, even if that means a shorter notice period.

Remember, "notice" means "notification of intention to leave", not "requesting permission to leave". Your current company might be upset if you leave early but there is little they can do about it except be upset.

Tell me how

Glen_Quagmire wrote:

Am I right to hang on until the contract is signed and returned before handing in my notice or would it be safe enough to do so now based on the offer of employment email and follow up emails with HR?

Tell the new company your start date availability is 4 weeks from when you receive the contract.

Rustyman101

Agree 100% don't hand in your notice until the deal is sealed with new employer ! Adjust start date if needed.

Steve

What is in your current employment contract wrt notice?

In practice, if you fail to turn up for work in the morning, ever again, there is not much the employer can do to pursue you legally. *

*There are some exceptions where a breach of contract suit would net them more than losing you would cost.

Stealthfins

Rustyman101 wrote:

Agree 100% don't hand in your notice until the deal is sealed with new employer ! Adjust start date if needed.

Exactly just don't be another statistic on boards.ie who left the job and had nothing to go to.

You'll come across people here who got badly burnt.

Rustyman is right.

Diziet

Employers do not expect you to resign before a contract is issued, so wait till you get it, then resign.

JustAThought

Employers are quick to promise and even quicker to apologise - ultimately it is you who will pay the proce with your career if they recind, finances if it falls through, or future chance of a reference from your current emoloyer if anything goes wrong. When you get the contract sign it and hand it back & say naturally your notice period remains X and because of the delays in getting the contract this will naturally push forward your start date from what you had originally hoped. They are big boys - they will know what the score is. Just be practical & matter of fact about it - there could be busget delays or approval delays or God knows what - stay put quietly, work hard and only when you get the contract hand in your notice. People and supposedly excellent work relationships can transform overnight once they know you are moving on. It may well suite them to let you have a shorter notice period or they may ask you to pack yor desk that day and take 'gardening leave' until your end date. Say nothing and keep hard at it.

Glen_Quagmire

Thanks guys I knew it was best to wait until the contract was signed and sealed but the start date is getting closer so I would like to get the notice in asap.

I completed the vetting forms early this week so hopefully the contract comes early next week

Stheno

Glen_Quagmire wrote: »

Thanks guys I knew it was best to wait until the contract was signed and sealed but the start date is getting closer so I would like to get the notice in asap.

I completed the vetting forms early this week so hopefully the contract comes early next week

Is it background checking and is it being done by the company themselves or a third party?

Glen_Quagmire

Stheno wrote:

Is it background checking and is it being done by the company themselves or a third party?

Yes background checking by a third party. Standard practice for this company I believe

pauliebdub

Steve wrote: »

In practice, if you fail to turn up for work in the morning, ever again, there is not much the employer can do to pursue you legally. *

They can withhold your p45, which can be a bit of a pain getting resolved and results in emergency tax for a month or two. Also most people are honourable and don't wish to break a contract and might have a great relationship with the old company that they don't want to sour.

You could try and negotiate a reduced notice period, say you can arrange a quick handover, prepare instruction documents on how to perform tasks etc...

Stheno

Glen_Quagmire wrote: »

Yes background checking by a third party. Standard practice for this company I believe

I've had that done three times. Takes a minimum of 2-4 weeks in my experience.

Glen_Quagmire

Another thing is I am only with my current employer just over 6 months. My probation period was 6 months which I just passed last week. Notice period during probation was 1 week, after probation is 4 weeks.

Nobody has come to me about being out of probation or I haven't signed any new permanent contract or anything, does that make any difference?

Don't get me wrong I would still like to give a few weeks notice as it's the right thing to do but just want to know what I am actually obligated to do in this situation?

bucketybuck

Don't be afraid to politely remind the new company that you cannot start your notice period until the contract is signed. If it was an SME with a touchy owner I might be wary of changing the agreed start date, but a large multi-national with a HR department is a different matter.

bucketybuck

Glen_Quagmire wrote: »

Another thing is I am only with my current employer just over 6 months. My probation period was 6 months which I just passed last week. Notice period during probation was 1 week, after probation is 4 weeks.

Nobody has come to me about being out of probation or I haven't signed any new permanent contract or anything, does that make any difference?

Don't get me wrong I would still like to give a few weeks notice as it's the right thing to do but just want to know what I am actually obligated to do in this situation?

It just makes it easier for you to wait, then when you do hand in your notice make it a one week notice period, and if they complain quite rightly say that one week is what your probationary contract states.

But no, you have little real obligation anyway, none that they could reasonably enforce.

Steve

pauliebdub wrote: »

They can withhold your p45, which can be a bit of a pain getting resolved and results in emergency tax for a month or two.

They can't actually, a phone call to the revenue commissioners works wonders in that regard. If they continue to withhold then the threat of a full revenue audit normally softens their cough.

Also most people are honourable and don't wish to break a contract and might have a great relationship with the old company that they don't want to sour.

I agree, was just pointing out worst case options.

endacl

Please take the opportunity to use the phrase "I'm giggity giggity giggity gone!" when you tell them you're leaving!

Glen_Quagmire

bucketybuck wrote:

It just makes it easier for you to wait, then when you do hand in your notice make it a one week notice period, and if they complain quite rightly say that one week is what your probationary contract states.

bucketybuck wrote:

But no, you have little real obligation anyway, none that they could reasonably enforce.

But I passed my 6 month probation last week, what I mean is I am there more than 6 months but nothing has been said about it by me or the employer. Does passing the 6 months mark mean I am actually out of probation or do I need to sit down with HR and sign an new contract or how does it work?

Glen_Quagmire

endacl wrote:

Please take the opportunity to use the phrase "I'm giggity giggity giggity gone!" when you tell them you're leaving!

Hahaha actually laughing at that but I never burn bridges mate, Ireland is a small place!

Steve

Glen_Quagmire wrote: »

But I passed my 6 month probation last week, what I mean is I am there more than 6 months but nothing has been said about it by me or the employer. Does passing the 6 months mark mean I am actually out of probation or do I need to sit down with HR and sign an new contract or how does it work?

What does your contract say?

6 months is not a significant landmark in employment law terms.

Glen_Quagmire

Steve wrote:

What does your contract say?

Steve wrote:

6 months is not a significant landmark in employment law terms.

Contract says 6 months probation, doesn't say anything about signing new contracts or anything so unsure where I actually stand right now to be honest

54and56

Two reasons you should honour and respect the notice period commitment you entered into in your existing employment contract:-

1. It shows you honour your commitments.

2. The fact you don't break commitments you have given should be something your current employer would appreciate and your new employer should be glad to see.

If you want to secure a shorter notice period you need to man (or woman) up and just approach your current employer to see if they wouldn't mind allowing you to serve 2 rather than 4 weeks notice or whatever. If they don't it's a win win for everyone. If they do you just have to honour your commitment and fulfil your full termination period.

If your new employer doesn't understand why you should honour your notice period commitment I'd be very concerned about them!!!

OldMrBrennan83

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54and56

Patww79 wrote: »

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Said with total unfounded certainty :rolleyes:

Anytime I've seen someone fired they've had the terms of their contract respected. It's not worth the grief not to.

Set your own standards, don't assume others have low standards which you should stoop to.

OldMrBrennan83

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Glen_Quagmire

I plan to honour whatever notice period I am required to give as who knows I may end up working at this company again or with yne people in it as Ireland is a small country.

Can anyone advise if I am actually "out" of my probation because of the fact that I've passed the 6 months mark?

My contract says 6 months probation which may be extended but doesn't mention anything about the process of being kept on after probation

bucketybuck

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

If they do you just have to honour your commitment and fulfil your full termination period.

No, he/she does not.

bucketybuck

Glen_Quagmire wrote: »

I plan to honour whatever notice period I am required to give.

Can anyone advise if I am actually "out" of my probation because of the fact that I've passed the 6 months mark?

My contract says 6 months probation which may be extended but doesn't mention anything about the process of being kept on after probation

Your current employer should already have discussed this with you, and it all depends on your contract and the type of company you work for so people on here can give you limited advice regarding it.

But to be honest I don't think you should focus too much on it, it isn't as important as you think. Like the first responses said, right now you should sit tight and wait for your contract, and when it arrives make your decision then.

54and56

Patww79 wrote: »

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You should and your new employer definitely will. If you don't honour the commitments you made to your old employer what do you think that says about you to your new employer?

If you're interested in having a career or establishing a name for yourself in a particular field don't follow the advice.

bucketybuck wrote: »

No, he/she does not.

@bucketybuck, why do you think an employee doesn't have to honour the contractual commitments they gave their employer?

OldMrBrennan83

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bucketybuck

Je_suis_Jean wrote: »

@bucketybuck, why do you think an employee doesn't have to honour the contractual commitments they gave their employer?

Because its a fact, if he doesn't want to he doesn't have to and there nothing the employer can do about it beyond be annoyed and deny references.

The OP absolutely should be honoring commitments but only when doing so does not jeopardise his new position. Preaching that he should serve his full notice no matter what is a nice thought but in the real world the OP needs to do what is best for him first and his old employer a distant second.

Tell me how

bucketybuck wrote:

The OP absolutely should be honoring commitments but only when doing so does not jeopardise his new position. Preaching that he should serve his full notice no matter what is a nice thought but in the real world the OP needs to do what is best for him first and his old employer a distant second.

So what happens if they hand in their notice and are waiting on a contract and next thing they're told the position is being reviewed?

You'd be very naive if you think such a thing couldn't happen.

OldMrBrennan83

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Tell me how

Patww79 wrote:

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Yeah, that's essentially just burning bridges. Not just with the company but your mates/colleagues who you may have put under pressure by not allowing sufficient time to complete/handover work correctly.

Certainly, ask the current company do they want you to work the notice but, personally, I would aim to leave on good terms.

Over 10% of the staff in the company I currently work in (over 100 staff) are ones who worked there before, left and are back a few years later.

bucketybuck

Tell me how wrote: »

So what happens if they hand in their notice and are waiting on a contract and next thing they're told the position is being reviewed?

You'd be very naive if you think such a thing couldn't happen.

And? Why tell me this?

Tell me how wrote: »

Yeah, that's essentially just burning bridges. Not just with the company but your mates/colleagues who you may have put under pressure by not allowing sufficient time to complete/handover work correctly.

Certainly, ask the current company do they want you to work the notice but, personally, I would aim to leave on good terms.

Over 10% of the staff in the company I currently work in (over 100 staff) are ones who worked there before, left and are back a few years later.

I'm not sure of your point here, you seem to want to have things both ways?

Tell me how

bucketybuck wrote:

I'm not sure of your point here, you seem to want to have things both ways?

I don't think it's that difficult to understand my point.

If it suits your current company for you to leave..... say they have reduced workload and are struggling to find work for the staff they will have remaining then they might prefer/agree that you leave immediately but I am suggesting trying to leave on good terms and if that means working out your notice (which it usually would) then I recommend the person leaving does that.

Glen_Quagmire

One other thing, I carried over a few days holidays from last year which I did not use which is allowed by company policy. Do I get paid for these holidays when I leave or how does that work?

ezra_

Glen_Quagmire wrote: »

One other thing, I carried over a few days holidays from last year which I did not use which is allowed by company policy. Do I get paid for these holidays when I leave or how does that work?

Yes, you get paid for unused holiday time.
However, some companies will insist that you use it before you leave.
So if you have had say 5 days carried over and you had 1 day accrued this year, they'd make you take the 6 days off during your notice period.

If you just walk, and ignore notice period, you probably won't get comped for unused holiday time.

Glen_Quagmire

ezra_ wrote:

Yes, you get paid for unused holiday time. However, some companies will insist that you use it before you leave. So if you have had say 5 days carried over and you had 1 day accrued this year, they'd make you take the 6 days off during your notice period.

So for example if my notice was 4 weeks and I wanted to go in 3 weeks I could use the 5 days holiday as the 4th week?

ezra_

Glen_Quagmire wrote: »

So for example if my notice was 4 weeks and I wanted to go in 3 weeks I could use the 5 days holiday as the 4th week?

If the company is happy for you to do that, then yes.

pauliebdub

Patww79 wrote: »

Only if the job is dependant on a reference from the old employer. The new employer wouldn't even be any the wiser otherwise.

You'd be surprised. Dublin is a small place especially if you work in a niche field. A bad reputation can stick.

bucketybuck

Tell me how wrote: »

but I am suggesting trying to leave on good terms and if that means working out your notice (which it usually would) then I recommend the person leaving does that.

And I am saying that while leaving on good terms would be preferable it does not take precedent over starting on good terms with his new company.

For the OP the single most important thing is firstly ensuring he has a new job and secondly ensuring that he starts that job well, beginning with starting on the agreed date.

If the notice period for his old company is incompatible with either of those then there is only one option for the OP.

By the way, professional reputation is important but people can be chicken little about it as well, a lot of people overstate this "small country" crap. Be aware of the concept but don't let it dominate your thinking.

Glen_Quagmire

Mr.S wrote:

OP just tell new company that your waiting for a contract before giving notice to your current employer, and tell them your current employer requires 4 weeks notice - which is standard procedure for any company and shouldn't impact you negatively. As a MNC, they would expect this almost.

I have done just that and the response was that the contract is being done up and will be with me soon. I don't really want to press HR any further as I may come off badly.

I'm still thinking about the fact I am literally just out of probation, with regard to time served with no formal discussions with my employer to say my probation has finished and I am being made permanent and how thar effects the 1 week and 4 weeks notice required as per the contract