Can they force me to hand in my notice

[corriequeen1431]

So, I have a conditional job offer that I am delighted about.

I have told my employer this as I didn't want to blindside them when the reference request comes through.

I do not want to hand my notice in until I have the unconditional offer and contract.

My notice period is 4 weeks but my manager wants me to hand my notice in now and give 6 weeks. The reason they have given is that by 6 weeks my onboarding should be completed and that they can plan for me leaving.

I don't feel comfortable giving my notice in without the contract,

What should I do?

They can treat you telling them you are leaving as notice though.

"Of course, as soon as I've got my new contract, I'll give you 6 weeks' written notice. K thanks. Bye". And repeat.

I know it sounds simplistic but they can't make you hand in your notice.

You really shouldn't have said anything. Business is business. Don't give notice until you are ready

Thank you.

I wish I didn't say anything but I know the reference request is coming and I know they would have been angry if I hadn't warned them.

I feel I am in a no win situation now as they are going to be annoyed when I tell them I am not handing in my notice until I have my unconditional offer and contract.

I was trying to be honest xx

I am currently in the same situation, and it's really awkward. I am cleared to start the new job, but the new line manager is being really slow at responding with a start date and firm offer, which is quite common practice I have discovered. My current employer gave a reference nearly two months ago and is growing a bit impatient.

The new job isn't guaranteed yet so why even mention it ?

Your contract states 4 weeks notice so give that notice when and if the new job is there

Give the formal 4 weeks notice when you have your new contract. You don't owe them a 6 week notice...

When I gave four weeks notice my line manager said it wasn’t enough and he needed three months. I pointed out that I wasn’t on an academic contract but an admin one so only had to give four weeks. Give them four weeks notice when you have signed your new contract, not before.