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Original poster

nannies / anyone Please help.... contract written but not signed, can i leave?

29 replies

nannywithadifferentname · 10/10/2009 23:10

ok...
i started my new live in job 4 weeks ago.
I hate it. The mother is so patronising and i cant seem to do anything right. She can be very rude and is always around... its a sole charge job but she is always just there.
I have worked 4 weeks so far...
I am DREADING going back tomorrow... i feel sick just thinking about it... these last 2 weeks have been hell.

We have agreed a contract (no probationary perios was in it and 4 weeks notice was in it) but i have NOT SIGNED IT.

My question is can i just go back tomorrow night and say im leaving at the end of the week?
If its really bad could i just pack my stuff and go immediatly?
is there really anything they can do?

I have worked happily as a nanny for nearly 10 years.... i have FAB references for all my other jobs (where i have stayed years, and still see all my old charges )
The agency wont be impressed, but thats their problem right?
there are plenty of other agencies anyway...

Im the 4th nanny in 2 years

If i leave can they do anything? Do they still have to pay me for the work i have done?

Also i have prebooked holiday next week, so i would love to just go on holiday and know i never had to go back again.

any advice appreciated

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Original poster
nannywithadifferentname · 10/10/2009 23:23

I realise i wont have a glowing reference...

but i think the 10 years of glowing references that i already have, and a simple me and this mum did not get on would suffice?

I would be honest... I have done nothing wrong but i cant be treated like a 2 year old 24/7

OP posts:
llaregguBOO · 10/10/2009 23:19

Technically yes, breach of contract but I really, really don't think they would. But I wouldn't expect a glowing reference from them.

Original poster
nannywithadifferentname · 10/10/2009 23:17

i appreciate that...

but if i leave can they actually do anything?

the agency will find them someone else wont they?

OP posts:
llaregguBOO · 10/10/2009 23:14

You still need to give notice whether your contract is signed or not. You've been going to work and accepting payment so the contract is as good as signed. It is a myth that signing an employment contract seals the deal, as it were.

It will be your problem if you leave them in the lurch. Can you not talk to your agency for advice?

If I were you I'd talk to the mother and tell her that you are unhappy/homesick/have had a better offer or whatever and see if you can come to some arrangement regarding notice.

I'm sorry that you are in this situation, it must be horrible to live in someone's home and feel uncomfortable.