Breaking a newly signed employment contract

[Betternotbebadnews]

Hi,

Wondering if anyone can help.

I signed a fixed term contract (3 days a week) to start in October. However, I have just started a flexible ongoing contract this week. Initially this current flexible contract was meant to end August which would have dovetailed perfectly into the fixed term contract.

However, I am now having second thoughts about the fixed term one. The contract I signed states that termination is with 6 weeks' notice. Therefore is it possible to notify them that I no longer want the position, even though I have signed?

Is this all with the same employer, and you are worried that it will be seen as a resignation when the flexible contract finishes?

Are both positions with the same employer?

If the fixed term is entirely separate, you can just withdraw - notice doesn't apply until the contract starts on the day you start work.

If they're with the same employer, have a chat to your current line manager to make sure your flex arrangement is on offer long-term. Have you given notice to terminate the flex contract? If not, and it's permanent, then just carry on, and let HR/the other team know that you've decided to stay where you are.

They are separate employers. So I can withdraw even though I have signed, with no repercussions of breaking a contract?

I was going to do both roles, however, I think there might be a conflict of interest, but even then I'm not entirely sure.