Nanny notice period

[Trunchbull]

Hypothetical question: I am a nanny, been in job six weeks but have gut instinct all is not going well from their side - nothing bad on my part, just that they have new requirements which are more than I can provide. We are through the probation period.

If it comes down to it, could my employers give me my contracted four weeks notice on the eve of my pre-booked two week holiday, meaning I would only then work two weeks upon my return? Or is notice four weeks of work where you actually have to be physically present?

they could give you four weeks notice on the eve of two week hols

And then deduct the holiday pay (which is obviously not yet accrued) from my final wage?

I agree that they could give notice on the day before you go on holiday. They may even be able to do so whilst you are on holiday.

If you have only just started the job, is it 4 weeks notice? If there is a probationary period in the contract and you are still in that probation, notice could be a week. Refer to written details about the job, for what notice applies.

Not sure why you feel things are going badly. Could you have a chat with the parents to see how things could be changed so you are all happier with the arrangements?

Excess holiday taken could be deducted from final pay.

We are through the probation period which was four weeks, I did say in my OP.

Things can't be changed I'm afraid, I can't give them what they now need and I think I have seen my job readvertised. So still hypothetical but in the event things do turn out badly I would like to know what I am talking about.

If the job has changed, then they can offer you the new job. If you cannot accept the new job, then they can give you notice to leave. The notice would be as it says in your contract (known as contractual notice) and could be given at any time to my knowledge - so could be given before you go on holiday, whilst you are on holiday, or when you come back to work. Contractual notice is usually better than Statutory Notice, in your case Statutory Notice is 1 week, so as your contract gives better terms than that, the contractual notice would apply.

ACAS says that notice starts the day after the day notice was given. Not sure that is of any help or not though but if you were given notice whilst on holiday it may help to clarify which days you are on holiday are holiday days and which are 'on notice' days.