Do I have to work a months notice

[Higash]

I have been working for a company on a 6 month temporary contract for 2 months and now have been offered a permanent position elsewhere.My new employer is anxious that I start work for them asap so, I only want to work 2 weeks notice and requested to do so but was told I have to work a months notice as per my contract. I will be paid at the end of april for the month of April and will have worked for 2 weeks after tendering my resignation. I intend to start my new job on 2rd may rather than work another 2 weeks. What is the likely outcome?

[SaxyJag]

It would depend very much on the terms of your temporary contract and the nature of the work. There should be something in it about how much notice each side is required to give. Also, whether it's with a temp agency or not, because temp agencies tend to be a little more relaxed over these things.

If you get on well with your current employer, it's nice to give them as much notice as possible. They will remember that consideration when you next ask for a reference.

Ultimately, you could just leave. I don't think they'd be entitled to withhold your wages. It just could cause a little bitterness, though.