New job offer - advice needed

[Freakuk]

Let me set the scene..

My current contract runs until the end of May 2013, however in December the main bulk of my work dried up... I work from home and even now have very very limited work, I've been given more work but to be honest I can do a weeks work in under a day. I've highlighted this to my boss but he doesn't seem interested although I'm concerned this cannot be sustainable and I could be let go anytime while the wok is slack.

I updated my CV and put the feelers out and ended up having an interview and had a verbal offer on Friday, my current contract (agency) states 4 weeks notice but the new job wants me to start ASAP, I'm not sure they'll wait 4 weeks.

I think my current employer would possibly let me go sooner, however the agency may want me work or buy myself out of the 4 weeks, thoughts on that one.

Now do I be honest and file my notice once I receive a contract or do something dodgy and throw a long term sickie etc?

[BJG1]

What type of job is it? Any decent company and role would be willing to wait 4 weeks surely? That's most people's notice

[SMGB]

Can't you work a deal where you handle both for a few weeks? It sounds like you won't have any probs looking after the workload where you are now. BTW I have never gone for a "retainer" deal, like you I wouldnt feel comfortsble.

[supertouring]

Tell new job you have some work to finish but it is not full time so can start but only a few days per week moving to full time later.

Everyone happy.

[Freakuk]

TBH I don't think the current job would notice that I was actually working somewhere else during my notice period, however I'm not sure my new employer would be too keen but maybe they woulod be OK with it if they need someone to start ASAP.

It's more the agency and their fee that I am worried about

[worsy]

Contractor? Business? If so there should be no MOO clause and you could do 4 days at new place and 1 at old for the four weeks surely?

Btw - Business forum might be better if above is correct.

[fido]

Outsource your role to someone for 4 weeks .. ? :-O