Can employers hold you to notice period?

[thewhitefan]

My contract states that I should give 1 weeks notice for each year worked. This means that I need to give 8 weeks notice. I have found that potential new employers are being put off by this, most expect a months notice, which seems to be standard for my sort of job. Where do I stand?

@Yayamarie stop promoting that website on here. The OP doesn't need to get them involved in a simple task such as negotiating their notice period, or getting a reference. Why would they listen to some random person any more than just deal with their employee direct! And they would extract a reference out of them, that would only happen if a bonafide new employer contacted them directly.

I can't believe that website is 100% free.

Just saying .....

wouldnt not would

Are you sure it's not a week's notice for each year worked up to a maximum number of weeks?

Chrissy, I've checked and it says "1 week for every year of service up to 12 years".

I’d ask if you can come to a agreement my last 2 jobs I didn’t complete my full service , on the day I handed my notice in I gave a date that I wanted to leave and could they confirm it which they did . I think most employers will compromise with notice period.

Negotiate, plus use any holiday you have accrued as part of your notice period

If you leave early you'll likely get a reference that reflects the fact they're unhappy if she's that difficult

Have you tried looking at large organisations for jobs as I think they'd be more likely to see 8weeks notice as being normal (mine is 12 weeks for example)

I can honestly say I’ve never turned down the right candidate for a role because of his/her notice period. If you’re the right fit for the role then the employer will wait a few weeks. You can also use holiday to help.

I really wouldn’t leave early unless you have plenty of other good references.

How risk averse are you? They can't force you to work the notice but they would have a claim against you for any losses arising as a result of you breaching your contract. However, they would also need to show they tried to mitigate their loss, ie they tried to hire a replacement but it was impossible. Unless you have a very specialised skill set that might be unlikely.

I've had a couple of interviews this week and both have seemed absolutely fine about the notice period.

I have told the prospective new employers I will try and negotiate and use my holiday to bring it down but they seemed quite accepting.