handing in notice - what notice period?

Pinch Flat

So my week this week has been a long string of events in my job, today I've had a Road to Damascus moment and I'm job hunting with a view to a new job in 2018.

My current contract says 1 months notice plus 1 week for every year of service. I'm there nearly 4 years in January. Thing is, my company had a MBO earlier in the year - so the old company was dissolved, we've no new contracts for the new company. Am I right in thinking I can give one months notice? Want to be shot ASAP once I have a new job lined up.

B.A._Baracus

Officially your notice is what your contract says. I know you say there is no new contract made up but that would be considered what you should give.

Here's the thing tho, in the real world notice periods depends on the employer. Many an employer has forgone the period letting the person start a new job asap. Sure some employers make their employee stay until the last day as usually that's when they have to find a replacement. But a lot are accommodating.

So the only way to know the exact length of the notice period you have to give is by asking at this point.

I can see where a problem might come up tho. At most they could (should they choose) ask that you work a maximum of 8 weeks. But you aren't likely to hand in your notice BEFORE getting a job and it won't look the best asking a new employer to hang on 8 weeks before you can start. Just remember you would not be the first person who went sick during the notice never to step back foot in the job again.

BrokenArrows

Your old contract will remain in place until it is replaced by a new one.

If your contract says 1 month + 1 week per year of service then thats what you must officially give.
However if you ask to leave earlier then depending on how necessary you are they might let you leave earlier.