Notice period when I haven't been given a contract - civil service

[Neolara]

I've been working as a civil servant as an HEO for the last 4 months. The job hasn't worked out and I've got an interview for something different this week.

I haven't signed a contract. I was never sent one. The original advert very had info about leave but nothing about notice period.

I have googled and it seems that civil service notice period is usually 5 weeks. However, as I haven't signed a contract or been told that information officially, should my notice period be the statutory 1 week?

I am not an employment lawyer buf if you ave not self employed and they have taken tax off etc under PAYE I am very surprised they have not had a contract. I am not sure what an HEO is. you ask for your written particulars of employment which I think they should have given you and see what notice period is in that (or an offer letter if you ahd one).

1 week would be the minimum as you have been there for more than a month and less than a year. Presumably there would be pro rata holiday pay too.

there will be standard terms and conditions. the fact you haven't signed a contract doesn't mean you aren't bound by the standard Ts&Cs. you turning up for work every day for the past 4 months and accepting your pay is deemed to be acceptance.

just ask HR what notice they require. if it's really not working out they may be glad to know you have realised this, and nay be OK to agree a shorter notice.

I would expect you to be officially on a month's notice by now. it would be rare to keep someone on only a week's notice for as long as 4 months. but unless you have made yourself indispensable they may let you off with 2 weeks perhaps?