Notice and probation period

[appropriatelyemployed]

I am in the probation period of my job which is 9 months long. My contract is only two years long.

The job is not working out for me: it takes up far more than the hours allotted; travel back and forth is hugely expensive and more tiring than I thought; it is impacting adversely on my family ( I have a disabled child) - I was told that certain accommodations would be made; but most of all my boss is a total pompous arse who is not up to the job and who has put his name on my work.

I handed in my notice and he got really aggressive by email. I have referred the matter to HR and my union. He wants to hold me to a 3 month notice period which seems excessive in view of the length of the contract and the fact I'm on a probationary period (although this is in my contract ).

How am I going to work with him for 3 months? This seems so unfair. He is a bully and I can't stand the thought of working with him now.

What exactly does your contract say? Most contracts will specify the length of notice to be given - some have shorter periods during probationary stage & some lengthen the probationary period after, say 10 years service.

If you are contractually obliged to give three months notice, speak to HR & explain your problems. Also, you are entitled to unpaid parental leave if your disabled child is under 18. If all else fails, request this!

If your contract requires you to give three months notice, it's not 'unfair' of your boss to expect you to do exactly that. It would be nice if they could agree to let you go earlier, but just be aware that is a favour you are asking, not something you are in any position to demand. Hopefully HR will be able to persuade your boss that letting you go a bit sooner would be sensible for both parties.

Thanks - yes. I appreciate that it is 3 months, although I am irked that I can be dispensed with at 4 weeks' notice.

But equally, as I say, I also have contractual hours (21) which I far exceed each week (by 8 or 9 hours) with everyone's knowledge.

It is funny how contractual terms become so important when they benefit the employer.

I also do not deserve to be bullied with aggressive emails or to be compelled to finish my notice period just because it suits him.

they can't and won't force you to turn up and work your notice unless you're the chairman of the board or similar. Can you agree a few weeks in return for an agreed reference? that's all you really need out of them at the moment. Then, keep tabs on hours during the notice period on the udnerstanding that you get paid for additional hours or tot up additional hours as time off the agreed notice period - ie each additional 8 hrs worked is one day less off the notice period

He is perfectly entitled to get you to work your notice 'because it suits him'. He is not of course entitled to bully you however. Speak to your union and HR about the problems you are having with him and with any luck at all they will negotiate on your behalf to get you released a bit early. Stop working overtime as well.

I left after a month on a contract with a three month notice period and was told my reference would say left under breach of contract.

Thanks. This is such a can of worms. It is a senior position with a national institution and my concerns about my boss prompted me to hand in my notice.

I then find out from the Union that these same concerns were expressed by my predecessor who left after an almighty battle.