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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not return to work on Monday?

38 replies

JustWantCake · 05/07/2018 14:07

Agreed with my employer yesterday that it's best I hand my notice in, as I'm in my probation period I've only got to work 1 week. But my mum has said she doesn't understand why I am staying and should just hand the company car back Monday morning and get a taxi home (I do actually need the car over the weekend otherwise she suggested today).

Am I allowed to do this? I'm not worried about a reference as this company only gives 1 line standard references anyway. Also I have no intention of ever working for these people again.

OP posts:
pippistrelle · 05/07/2018 14:49

I expect some people would do just that. But the more honourable course of action would be to call HR and try to negotiate a Monday finish.

Original poster
JustWantCake · 05/07/2018 14:54

HR have no involvement with dismissals or resignations. I already approached them and they said they have nothing to do with those and it's between me and my director.

Thing is... he's not a nice guy...

OP posts:
pippistrelle · 05/07/2018 14:57

You could always remind him that they wouldn't have to pay you if you finished early - surely in their best interests as much as yours.

Original poster
JustWantCake · 05/07/2018 15:03

That's true. It's not like I'm doing any work now (apart from stuff for the actual public, not being unfair to them)

OP posts:
GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 05/07/2018 15:08

I’d just work the week but take it easy. You’ll be worried about your reference if you don’t. Might be different if it a long notice period.

heatwave2018 · 05/07/2018 15:11

They can't legally put any bad stuff in a reference. Most places just confirm that you worked there. If you hate the guy quit tomorrow and hand the car back!

Original poster
JustWantCake · 05/07/2018 15:16

Yeah I am not worried about the reference as it's common knowledge in my industry that they only give 1 liners of employment confirmation for a reference anyway.

Just wondered what would happen if I done it? I guess I obviously won't get paid for the last couple days but not bothered by that

OP posts:
heatwave2018 · 05/07/2018 15:20

If you aren’t worried about the reference tell them to go fuck themselves. No one can force you to work (well not legally anyway)

NewYearNewMe18 · 05/07/2018 15:23

They can't legally put any bad stuff in a reference.

^^ Please don't perpetuate this myth.

A factual reference can be written, which if applicable can include things which may deemed to be 'bad'.

A non factual reference full of libel/slander of course is illegal.

Nicknacky · 05/07/2018 15:23

You can give a bad reference, it just has to be factual but I imagine most companies won't bother to give a bad one and will just confirm dates.

LonelyGir1 · 05/07/2018 15:24

Work a week and leave with dignity.

StealthPolarBear · 05/07/2018 15:28

"heatwave2018

They can't legally put any bad stuff in a reference"
Of course they can, they just need to be very sure they can back it up.
This is one of those myths like they can't dismiss you when you're really sick.

Iamagreyhoundhearmeroar · 05/07/2018 15:30

HR have no involvement with dismissals or resignations
Well, that's odd...

heatwave2018 · 05/07/2018 15:30

That’s the problem it has to be factual if you can prove you didn’t do that stuff then the company gets into a load of trouble

NT53NJT · 05/07/2018 15:32

You can mutually agree an immediate finish.

I did this with my old employers. I was in a probation period being trained and I was contractually obliged to give 2 weeks notice. I just said there's no point in me working 2 weeks notice because I'm being trained and it's of no benefit to me or you. They agreed and let me have an immediate finish.

Nicknacky · 05/07/2018 15:32

heatwave you could just admit you are mistaken lol

StealthPolarBear · 05/07/2018 15:33

Well in fairness we only know the ops perspective. While I do believe her there's a chance there could be legitimate 'bad stufd' that they could back up but where there perspective differs.

heatwave2018 · 05/07/2018 15:36

I’m not mistaken I looked into it a few months ago for someone. They can't put negative stuff in unless they can prove it which is very difficult and leads to suing and legal action hence why most companies don't

Nicknacky · 05/07/2018 15:37

No, you did they can't give a bad reference.

Nicknacky · 05/07/2018 15:37

Said!

Iamagreyhoundhearmeroar · 05/07/2018 15:38

Some "negative stuff" is completely factual and easily proven.

PerfectSunflowers · 05/07/2018 15:40

If you don't care about the reference or the money then why would you stay for the week?

StaySafe · 05/07/2018 15:45

I really hate it when people working for me mess me about re notice. It is so frequent in the sector I work in that we routinely refuse to provide references until the last working day. If someone doesn't work their notice I always indicate I would not re employ them. if I interview anyone who says they will leave existing job without full notice I don't offer them a job.

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 05/07/2018 15:47

You agreed to work for the week so I think you should stick to it.

Remember the phrase 'Finish well.' If you finish a job being enthusiastic and keen and helpful (even if you're doing it through gritted teeth) people will always remember you (and recommend you) as the person that did great right up to the end, not the one who stopped trying as soon as you handed your notice in.

You say there is common knowledge within your industry and I bet this applies to personal referrals too (even if not formal references but chats over a drink at social events).

fourmileswide · 05/07/2018 15:50

Ask HR how much accrued holiday entitlement you have. If nothing else, at least they should be able to work that out. With luck it should cover most of next week.