Notice Period- new contract question

[Wearegoingtobedlehem]

Hi there, I have started a new job, in a senior admin type role. My new contract states a 3 month notice period for me. I don't feel that happy about it- although I completely understand why it's done. Can they enforce it? I was once told your notice period always tended to be your pay period? Which is monthly along with the majority.

[HermioneWeasley]

The employer can put what they like at th notice period, it's nothing to do with pay periods - is it 3 months for both parties?

3 months is very unusual for an admin role, but if you don't have a lot of leverage to negotiate then you probably just have to go along with it.

[prh47bridge]

Assuming it is mutual it protects you if they want to get rid of you in that they will have to give you 3 months pay unless they sack you for gross misconduct.

In theory if you leave without giving the required notice your employer can sue you for any additional costs they incur as a result of your early departure. They can only recover their actual losses and they would have to show that they have taken steps to mitigate their losses. Having said that many employers take the view that it isn't worth pursuing. Most employers don't really want people in the workplace who don't want to be there. You may be able to agree a shorter notice period with them when you leave.

[Wearegoingtobedlehem]

Their notice period to terminate my employment is one week for each year of employment. this is a very small organisation in a fairly unique environment- as I understand it until my employment all other employees notice periods have been the one week for each year worked - argh - not realistically fair is it?

[HermioneWeasley]

It's not fair, but there's not much you can do about it unless you're prepared not to take the job. Do you feel you can query it and check it's not a mistake - it is very unusual.

[Wearegoingtobedlehem]

Well I have taken the job, they were just slow sorting out the finer details of the contract. I had foolishly assumed that it would be the usual probation period and a months notice either way. A colleague did give me the heads up after I started that they planned to put a greater notice period in the contracts going forwards.
The job is a great opportunity a considerable payrise for me- so in all likely hood I'll just sign- it's just doesn't feel so great being tied in for so long at this stage.