Signed contract - can I change my mind?

[misslucylastic]

Hello all,

I have recently signed a contract for a new job. There is no specified start date, although it is anticipated it will be January 2016. There is a 3 month notice period in the contract.

If I change my mind between now and January, can I give my 3 month notice period and a polite letter, or do I have to start working for them before I can give notice?

Any guidance appreciated.

Thank you.

[maggiethemagpie]

I'm sure they would much rather you resign now than wait until you start working, gives them time to find someone else before the job is due to start. It's a job, not a gulag, so you are free to leave it whenever you wish, (so long as you have given notice).

[misslucylastic]

Ok, that's helpful, thank you all.

I'll make a decision either way in the next few weeks, so would be planning on giving them three months notice before I start, September time, if that makes sense?

There was no info on probation periods in the contract. No start date was confirmed as they are waiting for me to finish my current contract, which currently ends in December, but may finish earlier.

I don't think it would be breach of contract, as they haven't invested any training etc.

[DragonsCanHop]

You can resign with a weeks notice within the first six months with our companyb

[ChunkyPickle]

Is there no probation period during which you can resign with just a week's notice?

I can't imagine why you'd have to start working with them in order to give notice - just write them a letter, saying you've changed your mind and giving formal notice.

[DragonsCanHop]

Some people don't like to resign without a signed contract and sometimes they can't confirm a start date due to holidays owed etc so a TBC can be used as a start date.

[YonicScrewdriver]

It's a bit strange to sign a contract without a start date...

[DoreenLethal]

Before you start, of course you can tell them you have changed your mind.

[DragonsCanHop]

I can only say from where I work but we have been let down after contracts signed and before start date.

It's a pita but we have just had a moan and then got on with contacting other candidates.

I wouldn't leave it too late to let them know and don't start, there is loads of background work to get someone in the payroll and set up as a new starter, that would really piss me off!