AIBU to expect better communication over notice period

[emjy]

Over a week ago I gave my notice verbally. It was clear it would be accepted from that date. At the same time I discussed reducing 12 week long notice period and was told I'd get an answer in two days. Obviously new job would prefer me to start sooner and I told new job I'd know on X date.

Old job proceeded to start telling people about my resignation (without confirming to me they would/had) but I have heard nothing from my manager or the rest of the senior team since that first conversation. Except for one message 2 days later asking me to follow up with written notice. I replied and again asked about last day - no reply, not even to say they'll discuss it on X date and let me know. I followed up and provided written notice.

Heard nothing this week either and I'll have to go back to new job again tomorrow and apologise for the delay again. I can't sign my new contract as they can't put the right start date on and I'm a bit worried the delay looks like its coming from me and it might cause them to rethink.

AIBU to find this a bit annoying. And if I am how should I be approaching it instead?

Have you formally submitted your resignation in writing?

There is no requirement for you to have a shorter notice period than set out in your contract.

Do you have any annual leave left?

If so take that off the notice period and that is your last day.

Well, it’s 12 weeks from when you gave notice, until they advise you otherwise. At my firm, it would be from the date you gave it in writing.

Yes, I've submitted the resignation, my post says that. I'm aware there's no formal requirement. Like I said, it was discussed and indicated it would likely be possible, then no follow up, leaving me in limbo.

You need to give new employer a start date that is 12 weeks from date of written notice. Your current employer can't expect you to work longer than that. If they release you early then you can ask new employer for an early start date.

You shouldn't have told your new employer you could start any sooner

What does your contract say? I would put your notice in writing and hand it in. Write the end date in it but ask again if you could reduce it or use some of your annual leave to finish earlier.

I didn't say I could start earlier. I said I would see if I could negotiate it down. To which my manager responded positively in the first conversation.

Have you given written notice? You said verbal.

On 12 weeks I'm assuming you're fairly senior and they will likely want you gone sooner rather than later unless you have contractual clauses to fulfill.

Email your line manager, cc HR. Ask for an update on whether your leave date can be brought forward from aa/bb/cc (date of your written resignation letter.

Talk to your new employer and confirm that you gave written notice on xx date and are on 12 weeks notice. Suggest a start date the following Monday. Tell them you'll advise if your current employer agrees to an earlier release date.

Show both current and future employer that you're taking control of this situation rather than letting it drift.

YANBU but your employer isn't going to try really hard to keep you happy now you're leaving so you may just have to grin and bear it.

The best form for this is to give written notice stating that you are giving X days notice as per contract, making your end date y. And that you'd welcome a conversation about negotiating an earlier end date.

I wouldn't bat an eyelid about waiting three months for a chosen candidate.

Have you given your employer written notice or just verbal? Most places won't "accept" verbal notice, you have to write it down and date/sign it in person.

I think you need to assume your start date will be 12 weeks after handing in your written notice. If your employer lets you go earlier then you can negotiate an earlier start date with your new job.

You've written about this before. Your current employer is clearly not in a cooperative mood.

So just accept that it's 12 weeks until you can start, minus any annual leave.

All I’d add is that you can’t assume they’ll let you take your annual leave at the end of your notice period to shorten it. I’ve been in this situation with a 12 week notice period and they wouldn’t approve the holiday request. Instead, I was paid for the outstanding leave.

Do you have an HR department?

Email HR and your manager and reminder them that you have given formal notice and that you want to discuss shortening the notice required including using remaining annual leave. Tell them you need to inform your new employer of your starting date.

Don't let them fob you off.

@emjy You've resigned without signing a new contract? Get it signed! You are currently very vulnerable, what if new company changes their mind?

I followed up and provided written notice.

Why is everyone asking if OP has provided written notice? It says it in the post!

Oouuufffff... get that new contract signed!!!! You really shouldn't have resigned from your current job without having the new contract signed!!!! Get it done asap!! 🙈

You need to sign the new contract asap as you could be without a job. You tell new employer it's 12 weeks from the letter you sent saying you were resigning