Boss wanting 8 weeks notice on a zero hours contract

[Mermaidlori]

I'm currently working in a job a couple of days a week on a zero hours contract with no notice period stated. I've just been verbally offered my dream job in a hospital to progress in my career and gain professional qualifications. I'm waiting on the offer in writing to come through this week.
I stupidly gave my boss the heads up that I would be leaving as the nature of my job means I have clients booked in a few weeks in advance. I wanted to let my boss know with plenty of time in advance so she could cover my shifts. I explained I would give 4 weeks notice as soon as my offer comes this week.
My boss has now demanded that I work 8 weeks notice and that I'm letting the team and clients down if I don't. My boss has been rude and snappy to me every time I've seen her.
On a side note my boss give me a days notice if a venue I'm working at won't be running and I lose the pay. AIBU giving 4 weeks notice?

@Mermaidlori nah you can give them 5 minutes notice!! what are they going to do????

The contract states nothing about this. I have just read through the contract again and I'm called a casual worker. It states in the contract that they can give me no notice if there is no work available and if I want to terminate the contract then I need to let them know as soon as possible. It doesn't state notice period. Is zero hours the same as casual worker?

Yes I really need this reference for my new job. I don't work in beauty. I work in foot care and I cut toe nails and give foot care advise to the elderly who can no take care of their feet

Clients can book around 8-9 weeks in advance. I'm booked in for work for the rest of the year but if another member of staff is on holiday or off sick and it's just me working, then the day before I get told sorry clients have been cancelled and no work today as they can't afford the venue costs with just me there. It happens fairly often.

What a plonker, you can just leave immediately if you want, that’s what zero hours contract is.

So you could give her 8 weeks' notice and she wouldn't have to give you any work for those 8 weeks. Absolutely no way.

Start the new job as soon as possible. Next week if possible. Why would you put up with sulking and ridiculous behavaiour any longer than you have to? You owe her nothing. Just do what you want to do and what is in your best interests. Don't be nice. Be selfish (although you sound like the sort of person who might find that difficult).

Employing people on a zero hours contract is a shitty thing to do as it puts all the risk on the employee and all the gain for the employer. Now she's finding the downside for her, maybe she'll think twice before doing it again.

Boss: ' I want you to give 8 weeks notice for your zero hours job'.

Me: Hahahahahahahahahaha No. Hahahahahahahahaha are you fucking high you cheeky c**t. Actually today is my last day. Bye.

You may wish to temper the language, but you get the idea.

I'd tell her you've decided not to to take the other job. Then when you start your new job you jus say you're not available wen they ask you to work. Zero hours, you don't have to work again.

Honestly, join a union today. That way if your boss is a dick, you have an email trail showing harrassment, and if they give you a bad reference you can also refer to this. None of what they are saying is legal.

Do not panic. She needs you far more than you need her. Sounds like you could get a similar role elsewhere if you need to

With regards to a reference can any of the colleagues who left provide one of you need it?

Youve been more than kind and open. A good boss would have said ‘well done and if you want to ever work for us to top up your work pls do stay in touch’. She’s an idiot.

NHS recruitment is notoriously slow. Took me 4 months to get into my job.
You might be ok with 8 weeks.

My mums partner had a DBS a few months ago and it took at least 8-12 weeks to come back! That was to work for a school!

I heard from the NHS recruitment department and have just booked iny ID check with them.
I contacted my manager to agree to the 8 weeks notice to keep her happy. Nearer the time once I have a start date then I will just say I'm leaving in 1 weeks time as this is a casual zero hours contract

Perfect! Hope all goes well.

You're still underestimating how long HR takes. It's not just about the ID checks. You should not give notice until your new employer is ready to discuss a start date.