How much notice do I have to give at work if they forgot to issue me with a contract?

[ScarletWomanoftheVillage]

I am moving out of the area and have told my bosses, but have not been able to formally resign due to not having yet exchanged contracts.

Exchange is now imminent but it may now be the case that completion is then less than two weeks away! Panic.

I have worked there nearly three years in two different roles and have never had a contract.

Obviously, I am not going to mess u my house move, but where we are moving to will be five hours away, so could not possibly work out my notice after moving.

What would happen if I just went?

Nothing but it may mess any pay you are due to receive up a bit.

If you have worked for your employer for one month or more, you must give 1 week's notice by law. Obviously if your contract said more, then you'd be bound by that. But if you haven't got any agreement, then statutory terms apply.

Are you sure that you haven't got anything else that tells you notice periods, ie. staff handbooks? Or handbooks on the intranet, etc? Because although you are legally entitled to a contract within a few weeks of starting a role, the absence of one doesn't mean you don't have a contract. If you are aware of the terms of employment either through custom or practice, then you are still bound by them.

Thank you so much, that's really helpful. Don't think we have a handbook.

It is a family-run firm and I expect them to be reasonable and flexible as I have done a good job for them while I've been here and I have kept them in the loop about my move, apart from the last bit about it suddenly possibly being needing to complete by the end of August to fulfil the developers' (who my seller is moving to) end of year finances.

Was only made aware of this recently and am just scared in case anyone pulls out. My buyers are being really great and reasonable and don't have anything to sell so agree to do whatever is necessary.

But it really wouldn't be convenient for us to move in such a short space of time. But we will if we have to. We do not want to lose our house.

God! Can you tell I'm stressed?

Also got DD2's A level results tomorrow! As well as possible exchange of contracts...

Deep breathing I think is required.