New contract - how do I only agree to 1 of 2 changes?

[newcontractquestion]

Hi,

I've been employed by a large, national corporate for almost two years. I've been "acting up" from my contracted role quite significantly for many months now. Manager has agreed to amend my job title to reflect the new (substantial, managerial) duties. No point asking for a pay raise at this point; I know from trying to sort it out for my own direct reports that I may as well save the energy for the official wage review point of the year.

Anyway, job title change is still great!

My problem is:

Since taking on the new duties and now, my department has been having massive staff turnover issues. Management, in their wisdom, have decided that one of the ways they can stop this is to up everyone's notice period from 1 month, to 3 months, whenever any contractual changes are being made in future (to job titles, salaries, annual leave allowances, grades, whatever). This applies to all staff equally.

So, I will be issued with an updated contract.

It will have two changes: (1), the new, more accurate, and much wanted job title, and (2) an increase in my notice period from one month to two months.

I'm not happy about the second one at all. I do care about the former, since if I leave this place, our basic reference ("she worked here between X and Y as a Z") won't even acknowledge the managerial stuff I've been doing for the bulk of my time here.

What are my options - is it possible to agree to one change in the contract and not the other? If so, how could I do it - sign but cross out the notice period part on the returned paperwork? Or am I going to have to make a case that I want to be an exception against the globally-mandated notice period amendments?

(Extra info: not in a union; it's a professional role where 1 month's notice is definitely the norm, and future employers in this sector are unlikely to take kindly to waiting 3 months even for an ideal candidate.)

Sorry that should read: "(2) an increase in my notice period from one month to three months"

If they gave you the pay rise now, would you accept the increase in notice?

You can't just cross out the bits you don't like, no. You are being offered a new contract. If you don't want the terms offered and want different ones, you're going to have to ask.

Sorry, yes, you will of course need to discuss any change! Is there something else you would like to try and negotiate alongside accepting the longer notice?

You may well find all staff signing the change soon - I assume it would come up as part of the wage review if the company is very keen to push it forward.

YonicScrewdriver they won't be offering a pay rise, I'll probably have to fight tooth and nail with market rate data later in the year and I'll still be turned down - my intention was to get the managerial experience, so it was for my own personal development, even though they treat staff shockingly and there's no ££ incentive to me here So that's a bridge I know I won't have to cross really. If I did, I'd eat my hat!

flowery thanks - I know from your posts here that you're totally on the ball, appreciate your input here. Your answer isn't what I was hoping it would be, but a big thank you for clarifying anyway

It's a good point that my employer may be expecting all staff to sign these new terms at the official wage review point, albeit I know most of them won't be getting any pay rises anyway, hmm. I hadn't thought of what they may expect or want staff to do at that point.

I will have a think about what else might be negotiable, unfortunately it isn't the sort of place that trades in holidays and has no real perks like parking or childcare facilities or health benefits or pension stuff to bring into the negotiations. It's salary alone really.

I guess I may have to consider turning down the job title change if they insist on the notice period amendment being non-negotiable. That'll mean I'll get no formal recognition for the managerial stuff in a reference.

It's ironic that this is the dilemma that's making me consider what my exit plans are here, like so many colleagues recently - perhaps this is the kick up the bum to move onto better things.

Hit post too soon - thank you to you both

xx

"I guess I may have to consider turning down the job title change if they insist on the notice period amendment being non-negotiable. That'll mean I'll get no formal recognition for the managerial stuff in a reference."

Really? You'd turn down formal recognition of managerial responsibility which could help you get a better new job just because of an increased notice period? I have to say that seems a little short-sighted...

Hi OP, in my industry having a longer notice period makes you look more senior, because it will take your company longer to replace someone with your skills. So you could spin it that way if it turns out to be unavoidable.
Congrats on the new job title!

Lots of places don't actually insist staff work notice periods when they quit, too. Demoralised clock-watching staff who take long lunches etc rarely perform well.

The notice period cuts both ways. They will have to give you 3 months notice as well as you having to give them that much. Notice periods of 3 months or more are common in managerial roles. If you are applying for another job at a similar level they are unlikely to turn you down just because you are on 3 months notice. And as Alanna1 says, you may not actually have to work the full 3 months if you do decide to change jobs.

I share Flowery's surprise that you would turn down a better job title which could help your career just because it comes with a longer notice period.

Are you in a position that warrants a 3 month notice period? This is relevant because when you leave, it may be considered acceptable by a new employer. Regardless, in isolation a 3 month notice period makes you less attractive to a prospective employer.
The change in job title will look good on your CV, though you could always add those responsibilities into the description of your current role.

"Hi OP, in my industry having a longer notice period makes you look more senior, because it will take your company longer to replace someone with your skills. "

I agree.

OP, if they want all staff to move to 3 months' notice, they will just take the next opportunity of some minor contract update to get it in. I would take the title now if I were you,

Same here - the longer the notice period, the more senior you are. Mine is longer than many colleague's; my manager's is longer than mine.

If you get a new job, you just tell them your notice is two months. I really don't see the issue here.

Thank you for the additional input, all. I hadn't considered that they'd have to give 3 months notice of letting me go too, or that these things could be negotiated if i were to leave (can you tell how few employers i've had to date ).

inabeautifulplace, the role isn't one where you'd expect a long notice period (the sector just doesn't work like that at all, even for much more senior managers than I am/will be), however I guess it might be perceived better (more senior) should I wish to leave this sector and transfer to other ones (my skills are v transferrable).

You've all convinced me to sign it with the extended notice period now.

Cheers.

"Hi OP, in my industry having a longer notice period makes you look more senior, because it will take your company longer to replace someone with your skills. "

Yup, I have a three month notice period. I'm quite happy about it! Makes you seem more senior and gives you more security. If you're moving on eventually at the same level, your next job will likely have it too as its not an issue.

I had a new contract in one job and they forgot to increase the notice period. They absolutely cacked themselves when I handed my notice in... :) company wide review of notice periods followed....