GRRR! boss issues.... again.
GRRR! boss issues.... again.
Author
Discussion

lanciachris

Original Poster:

3,357 posts

264 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
Having got myself another job, go to hand in my notice (2 weeks as specified at interview). 'Oh no, its a four week notice, you are contractually obliged'.

1) No its not, I was told 2 weeks, and thats what other people who resigned have had

2) What contract? I have no contract, I never signed anything or was asked to sign anything and have never seen a contract for this company.

jacobyte

4,767 posts

265 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
So you can leave tomorrow

beano500

20,854 posts

298 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
Hmmm!? No contract = no notice period?

pdV6

16,442 posts

284 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
No contract? Nothing to stop you walking out the door today...

lanciachris

Original Poster:

3,357 posts

264 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
Its so annoying. Its not the first time weve had this mythical contract referred to.

I need their reference though.

At the same time, I am absolutely not going to stay for another month. If it means I have a bad mark at the end of my reference so be it....



Just got a bitchy email on the subject...... Lying lying lying lying......

1 ... 2... 3...

>> Edited by lanciachris on Thursday 3rd February 10:16

lanciachris

Original Poster:

3,357 posts

264 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
Bump. need advice on what to do!

wolves_wanderer

12,927 posts

260 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
Just ask them to show you the contract you signed, and then get them to point out where it says you have to stay for 4 weeks. Seeing as you haven't signed a contract they will probably struggle to do this. Problem solved.

I wouldn't be too worried about the reference either considering you already have another job.

Edit: Just read it again, and seeing as you do need the reference then speak your new employers and explain the situation to them now. I'm sure they will have come across a similar type of situation before.

>> Edited by wolves_wanderer on Thursday 3rd February 10:43

rude-boy

22,227 posts

256 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
wolves_wanderer said:
Just ask them to show you the contract you signed, and then get them to point out where it says you have to stay for 4 weeks. Seeing as you haven't signed a contract they will probably struggle to do this. Problem solved.

I wouldn't be too worried about the reference either considering you already have another job.


Was about to suggest this. but would do so by e-mail, or other written format, printing a copy off as proof of the problem should this arise when you go for an interview, etc.

Any Employment Solicitors about? (Me humble Property Solicitor so can only offer laymans advice!)

morebeanz

3,283 posts

259 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
I am no expert, but unless you have done something truly heinous, I have found that it is nigh on impossible for an employer to (legally) give an outright bad reference, so I wouldn't worry about that.

Definitely request a copy of the contract though, and state you're expected leaving date in a formal letter of resignation.

pmanson

13,388 posts

276 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
morebeanz said:
I am no expert, but unless you have done something truly heinous, I have found that it is nigh on impossible for an employer to (legally) give an outright bad reference, so I wouldn't worry about that.

Definitely request a copy of the contract though, and state you're expected leaving date in a formal letter of resignation.


They can't give you a bad reference but its what they decide to leave out that can make it a bad reference.

lanciachris

Original Poster:

3,357 posts

264 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
Negotiations that I shouldnt have to make underway... New employer is flexible, and understanding of situation.

Current employer - meeting with boss after lunch, including a line manager who i respect who ive asked to sit in so that he can stop me beating the ignorant shit round the head.

Plan : politely point out that I dont have a contract, but dont want to leave them in the lurch, equally not wanting to leave my new employers in a difficult position.

If they are absolutely firm on this 4 weeks thing then depending on how much theyve pissed me off I will state that im leaving in 2 weeks and they can deal with it. If they are open to a bit of negotiation I will say 3 weeks.

DeltaFox

3,839 posts

255 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
Calmly point out that it is a legal requirement for you to have a contract of employment with them. As you dont have one and have never had one with them they have breached your rights under employment law (tribunals love this) and then tell them to kindly ferk off.
If they wish to make a stink you can then make a much louder/smellier one than them.

lunarscope

2,901 posts

265 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
DeltaFox said:
Calmly point out that it is a legal requirement for you to have a contract of employment with them. As you dont have one and have never had one with them they have breached your rights under employment law (tribunals love this) and then tell them to kindly ferk off.
If they wish to make a stink you can then make a much louder/smellier one than them.

Leave immediately, claim compensation for 'constructive dismissal' because of their refusal to provide a written contract, then start with your new employer.

lanciachris

Original Poster:

3,357 posts

264 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
Well. looks like ill just be using my holiday time to clear the 3 days and make it 3 weeks. thatll do... minimum hassle.

stone

1,538 posts

270 months

Thursday 3rd February 2005
quotequote all
lanciachris said:
Well. looks like ill just be using my holiday time to clear the 3 days and make it 3 weeks. thatll do... minimum hassle.


Glad its resolved

lanciachris

Original Poster:

3,357 posts

264 months

Friday 4th February 2005
quotequote all
Ho hum. team meeting today, First item on the agenda...

Chris is leaving to further his career, leaving us in a vulnerable position yadda yadda yadda. Cheers boss, not bitter and twisted at all are we

I bit my tongue.

lunarscope

2,901 posts

265 months

Friday 4th February 2005
quotequote all
lanciachris said:
Ho hum. team meeting today, First item on the agenda...

Chris is leaving to further his career, leaving us in a vulnerable position yadda yadda yadda. Cheers boss, not bitter and twisted at all are we

I bit my tongue.


I would have retorted with suggestions for agenda items for the next meeting:

1. Review of salaries to ensure in line with market.
2. All employees to have a personal development plan.
3. Retention sheme to ensure vital employees are retained.

mxdi

13,993 posts

272 months

Friday 4th February 2005
quotequote all
I always understood that 13 weeks of working for the same company, turning up to work each day and receiving payment for this, means there is a contract, albeit nothing on paper but still obligation.
Or was that my last boss just having me on?

lanciachris

Original Poster:

3,357 posts

264 months

Friday 4th February 2005
quotequote all
That is a contract of sorts yes, and I accept that I had one of those, but quite clearly it doesnt start that your notice period is 4 weeks.

wedg1e

27,011 posts

288 months

Friday 4th February 2005
quotequote all
mxdi said:
I always understood that 13 weeks of working for the same company, turning up to work each day and receiving payment for this, means there is a contract, albeit nothing on paper but still obligation.
Or was that my last boss just having me on?


No, I think it becomes the accepted 'status quo' in a legal situation. You keep turning up, you must be happy to do so. They keep paying you, they must be happy to do so... etc.