I potenially need to give notice at work while boss is on holiday! How?

[OhdearIquit]

Long time poster with a name change.

Long back story with my horrible boss who made my life hell when I was pregnant and on ML (cut my hours etc).

Anyway, I'm now back at work but my hours have just been cut further to the point where I can't afford to stay in this job.

Luckily, I had an interview for another job within days last week and will be working a trial shift next Tuesday. They liked me so much they didn't interview anyone else and it looks like I got the job if I don't mess up next week. They want me to start asap.

Today I found out that my boss (also owner of the business, no HR etc) is going on holiday next week Tuesday. He'll be away 2 weeks at least I think. I have only found out about this by coincidence.

So, if I get offered this new job next Tuesday, I was meant to give notice to my boss on Wednesday and work my 2 weeks notice, then leave.

But now he won't be there. What will I do? I can't tell him before I know I have the job and once I do get offered it, I can't let my new employer down as they need me to start within 2 weeks.

Will my notice still be legally valid even though my boss won't be there to read it?

There are enough staff at my work to cover my shifts btw, so wouldn't be leaving them in a pickle.

[msrisotto]

Just inform hr, that's all your boss would do.

[GuffSmuggler]

Is there anyone else covering for him whilst he's away? Can he be contacted in an emergency?

I would email on the day saying you are putting a letter dated today's date on his desk giving your notice, so he knows the date you officially gave it when he gets back.

[DontmindifIdo]

If there's no one else you can resign too, then I'd call him and resign on the phone, saying you've got the resignation letter for him on his desk, perhaps e-mail a copy as well with a confirmed reading request on it.

[BobbiFleckmann]

do you have a line manager or is there only your boss above you? If there is anyone in the structure above you, copy them on your notice.

[ajandjjmum]

Who is running the business in his absence? I'd resign to them.

[flowery]

I don't know any business owners who would go on holiday for 2 weeks without checking emails...

[OhdearIquit]

No HR, noone else in charge and we don't have a phone number for emercencies. We're meant to deal with stuff by ourselves.

I only overheard he's going away so I don't know about it officially. My next shift will on Wednesday, so I would have come into work and he would be on holiday.

He has no desk. He just comes in once a day for an hour walking around. I leave any post that arrives for him in a cupboard. Surely I can't just put a notice letter there?

[OhdearIquit]

Hmmmm. Email. He does have an email addresse that I could find out. Not sure if he'll check that though.

[GuffSmuggler]

I'm no expert but I'm not sure it matters when he checks the email/opens the letter. It is the date on it that counts, shouldn't matter he is on holiday...

[ajandjjmum]

How feasible would it be for you to post your resignation letter by recorded delivery after your trial on Tuesday, so that it will arrive at the office on Wednesday, and someone will have to sign for it.

You could then send a copy to his email address, to make sure that all bases are covered.

Beyond that, I wouldn't worry, as you've done everything you can.

Good luck for your trial!

[OhdearIquit]

I can do that BUT you know who would be the person signing for the letter? Most likely myself!

[ajandjjmum]

Don't sign for it - make sure someone else does. And as long as it's marked 'Personal and Confidential' they won't open it, but you're covered!