Trying To Avoid Awkwardness...

[bluesmile]

Hello,

I currently work as a cleaner for a small company (there are four of us in total) and am wanting to hand my notice in.

I am wanting to leave as a couple of weeks ago the boss had a none too pleasant chat with me regarding the standard of my work. Now as I have worked for the firm for nearly a year now it was slightly out of the blue and much of it was uncalled for. The fact that she had this go at me whilst we were at a job and we travel in her vehicle to the jobs made it a uncomfortable journey home to say the least.

I am also wanting to leave as I don't have a contract of employment and therefore am not working the hours which the job was originally advertised for, so am not earning enough. So I have decided to just work for myself as a cleaner.

So my questions which I would like advice upon are...
Firstly when my boss picks me up for my next shift do you think I should give her my notice before we start cleaning or as she is dropping me off. And secondly when she asks why am I leaving or what I intend to do how can I not tell her my plan but without lying to her? As I think she would just laugh at me for thinking I could set up alone, or she might think I am trying to compete with her or even poach her customers. Which I absolutely would not consider as I believe there is enough muck for us all to clean up. Lol

Also her stepdaughter has just recently left and my boss expected a months notice so I am presuming it would be the same for me.

Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks Amy

[tonyav]

If you have no contract of employment why bother giving her any notice at all.

[Jackdaw33]

You don't have to lie at all. If asked why you are leaving simply point out that you are very unhappy with her criticism of your standard of work. If asked what you intend to do, reply "Seek alternative employment".

[Gizmonster]

Reason for notice, you don't need to give her one, but if you feel more comfortable giving one - tell her you've found another job with more hours.
If you've no contract, I'm sure you don't need to give any notice (although, I could be wrong), so depending on when you get paid, tell them you're leaving, at a time that's convenient to you .... and sod them ;)

[Jackdaw33]

Giz is right. Make sure you have been paid up to date before you resign. You can't be in breach of contract if you haven't got one. Even if notice were required I can't see how they can penalise you for not doing so.

[Calibax]

A contract of employment can be verbal and agreed at your original interview for example. However you are legally entitled to a written statement of your main terms and conditions (hours, holiday, notice period etc.) within two months of starting work. It sounds as if you have no such agreement and are therefore not required to give any notice. Nor do you have to give any reason for your termination of employment.

[MallyJ]

Will you need your current boss to supply any sort of reference? If so then maybe give notice.

[Gizmonster]

Mally, the OP is thinking of setting up on her own, so references won't be required .....

[MallyJ]

Gizmonster ..I know but belt and braces ... never bite your nose off to spite your face..... if setting up on her/ his own does not work out then a reference may be required ... and if you were employing a cleaner then you would want to see references before you took that person on ..therefore references will be needed at some stage.

[bluesmile]

Thanks for all your comments.

And as mally said I don't want to burn my bridges in case I do need a reference from her plus I also live in quite a small place so bound to bump into her at some point and still do want to avoid awkwardness.