Can they change notice period at this stage?

[Elephant25]

Hi,
Advice please!

Have a new job which I am looking forward to moving to - was a really difficult decision to make but have now got my head round it and am happy.

Put my notice in to my current employer last Thursday (9th) they were shocked, hurt, disappointed etc - have been trying to make me feel guilty for leaving about how I am valued and this other job has been sugar coated and i wont like it etc but I have just been keeping my head down and getting on with things.

I put in my notice letter my intention to give 2 weeks notice (i am contracted to a month but company has in the past told staff to just leave when notice handed in but that if this wasn't acceptable to let em know and we would negotiate further)

I have been asking since Friday morning who to start my handover to - nothing has been mentioned despite verbal and e-mail requests.

Monday i was verbally told my resignation had been accepted. (This I have now been told never happened even though I know the words spoken were 'I accept your resignation')

Since hearing this I have arranged a start date at my new employment on the 27th.

Today - I have just been told they are not happy about my intention to leave and now want me to work a full month as someone is on holiday the week after i leave and they don't want to be left in the lurch

So my question is - can they do this? Do i have to stay or can i go as I originally intended?

TIA

If you are contracted to give a month then presumably you have to work a month from the 9th - is that what you planned?

Although...iswym, if they have accepted your resignation and the conditions you set out that changes things. But they haven't done it officially?

Thanks for the quick response.

I handed my notice in on the 9th with the view of finishing on the 23rd but if they wanted me to work longer / shorter to negotiate this with me (meaning can you please let me know)

Nothing has been mentioned for almost a week about changing this period. Verbal acceptance then today as they have finally looked at the booked holidays they have now decided to change it - I don't want to leave under bad feelings but yet don't want to mess the new company about!

Not sure if they could do it at this stage really!?

Er, if your contract requires you to give a month then yes they can certainly insist you work the month.

You can ask if they are prepared to release you early, but you can't decide yourself to give less then get irritated if they don't tell you that's unacceptable immediately.

yes- i agree with flowery. your contract will state what notice you need to give (in your case 1 month) and if you do not you will be in breach of your contract. However, there is nothing to stop you leaving as it is very doubtful that your existing company will pursue with any legal procedings. your reference wouldn't be great though! if i was you, i would negotiate with your new company a later date.