Can They Just Give Me A Weeks Pay And Ask Me To Leave?

[Query1987]

I have been offered a new job that doesn't start for another 4 weeks. My current notice period is only 1 week, even though I have passed my probation and get paid monthly.

As a gesture of good will I would like to hand my notice in now, to give them time to find a replacement, rather than a week before I'm about to start my new role which would mean leaving them in the lurch.

If I did this could they just ask me to leave after a week? Or would they be legally required to pay me until the notice I have given is up?

[factor-fiction]

You may only have to give them a week's notice but you nay find they need to give you a month. Check that.

[Eve]

What kind of job do you do and how on have you been there? Are you on good terms (and will you be once your notice is in) and would it benefit them to keep you on, eg a really busy period.

They have the right to stick by your notice period but it depends on their goodwill and business needs.

[Graham-W]

If you give your employers notice that you will be leaving on a certain date (eg 7th June) you are giving them more than a weeks notice. If they fire you before that date, for no reason, you would have a good case for "unreasonable dismissal".

[Query1987]

It is only a week both ways, I do the HR admin work (typing up contracts etc)

[Buenchico]

If, for example, you simply write "I hereby submit my resignation from the post of deputy assistant chief cook and bottle-washer, with effect from the end of the working day on Friday 31 May 2013" you'll have provided the required notice but you can't be required to leave before that date. (That, of course, assumes that you've worked there for at least a year, which is required before 'unfair dismissal' rules take effect anyway).

Chris

[AlwaysConfused]

I'm, sure that if you are worth your salt, your employer will appreciate the notice. It will give them time to train someone else up etc. I don't think they can force you to go after one week. Make sure you write a good resignation letter, for example: Dear ......., I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as ___ effective June 7th. Thank you for the opportunities for professional and personal development that you have provided me during the last __ years. I have enjoyed working for the company and appreciate the support provided me during my tenure here. If I can be of any help during this transition, please let me know. Sincerely, Query1987

[AlwaysConfused]

Sorry, my point was supposed to be, let them know your finish date in your resignation letter. If they have any problems with the said date, they should notify you immediately.

[cassa333]

Sorry... you work in HR!!

[Query1987]

The HR part isn't my actual job, that was added on when I joined, I have no proper knowledge of HR. I am actually a credit controller, and there is only me in the business that can do my role without proper training. I have only been here since last December, my manager thinks I'm really good at my job but the MD has taken a disliking to me so I'm slightly warey.