Giving Notice to Resign

[gallapunk]

I've been employed for over 10 years by the same employer. I've managed to secure a new house today in another part of the country and wanted to hand my notice in, but neither of the partners were in the office. I'm told I have to give a month's notice, but does it have to be in person if they're not there? If they're not there again tomorrow it will then be a Bank Holiday and I can't do anything until Tuesday next week, so would it be OK to give my notice to the office manager or do I have to wait for one of the partners to be present?

I don't have a written contract but am under the impression that as I've worked there for that length of time, I have to give a month's notice, so I would be very grateful for any advice, thank you.

[kempie]

Your letter of resignation should be submitted to your direct supervisor. It is not necessary for you to hand it to the highest position of authority within the business.

[gallapunk]

That's the trouble: my direct supervisors are the partners. Officially, so they say. It's a very small company, family run. A very, very tiny company in fact. I'm hoping that if the partners aren't there again tomorrow, I can give it to the office manager, because otherwise, why have one? I just don't want to cause any upset really; I'd like it to be as clean and smooth as possible.

I may sound paranoid, but I've seen the reactions when other people have handed in their notices: not good.

[kempie]

There is nothing to stop you giving notice verbally in addition to the written confirmation. Could you not speak to one of the partners by phone?

[luckyfish]

well, gellapunk, as you have been with them 10 years i'm sure they will appreciate your loyalty to the company and no one will have a bad word to say.

if i were you i would address the letter to the partners, but, if they're not in tomorrow hand it to the office manager. as he/she is the most senior person in the office at the time it will be thier duty and this way the notice will start from tomorrow rather than tuesday next week. you can explain to the partners when they return that you had held it off for a day but couldn't wait till tuesday.

always difficult to make a change and so i wish you all the very best in your next chapter :)

[gallapunk]

Thank you everyone - and Tetjam lol. All sorted now.