Notice Period at a Small Business

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At my current employer I do not have a written contract. This includes not knowing how much notice period I am required to give.



My problem is that prospective employers are asking for my notice period during interviews.



Is there anyway I could ask my current employer without giving away the fact I am job searching?
Alternatively, is there any other way I could attempt to deal with the issue?







share|improve this question


















  • 4




    Not a lawyer and YMMV but in my part of the world, when you have no contract it basically means there is no official notice period and you are free to leave with what I call a "conscience" notice.
    – Permas
    Aug 22 '12 at 12:08
















up vote
13
down vote

favorite












At my current employer I do not have a written contract. This includes not knowing how much notice period I am required to give.



My problem is that prospective employers are asking for my notice period during interviews.



Is there anyway I could ask my current employer without giving away the fact I am job searching?
Alternatively, is there any other way I could attempt to deal with the issue?







share|improve this question


















  • 4




    Not a lawyer and YMMV but in my part of the world, when you have no contract it basically means there is no official notice period and you are free to leave with what I call a "conscience" notice.
    – Permas
    Aug 22 '12 at 12:08












up vote
13
down vote

favorite









up vote
13
down vote

favorite











At my current employer I do not have a written contract. This includes not knowing how much notice period I am required to give.



My problem is that prospective employers are asking for my notice period during interviews.



Is there anyway I could ask my current employer without giving away the fact I am job searching?
Alternatively, is there any other way I could attempt to deal with the issue?







share|improve this question














At my current employer I do not have a written contract. This includes not knowing how much notice period I am required to give.



My problem is that prospective employers are asking for my notice period during interviews.



Is there anyway I could ask my current employer without giving away the fact I am job searching?
Alternatively, is there any other way I could attempt to deal with the issue?









share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Aug 22 '12 at 13:30









Rarity

4,37643457




4,37643457










asked Aug 22 '12 at 11:53









Sam

234110




234110







  • 4




    Not a lawyer and YMMV but in my part of the world, when you have no contract it basically means there is no official notice period and you are free to leave with what I call a "conscience" notice.
    – Permas
    Aug 22 '12 at 12:08












  • 4




    Not a lawyer and YMMV but in my part of the world, when you have no contract it basically means there is no official notice period and you are free to leave with what I call a "conscience" notice.
    – Permas
    Aug 22 '12 at 12:08







4




4




Not a lawyer and YMMV but in my part of the world, when you have no contract it basically means there is no official notice period and you are free to leave with what I call a "conscience" notice.
– Permas
Aug 22 '12 at 12:08




Not a lawyer and YMMV but in my part of the world, when you have no contract it basically means there is no official notice period and you are free to leave with what I call a "conscience" notice.
– Permas
Aug 22 '12 at 12:08










4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
16
down vote



accepted










In the UK, the minimum notice you are allowed to give is one week.



From this business link article:




Contractual and statutory notice periods



An employee who has worked for a company continuously for one month or more must give and receive notice of dismissal/redundancy or intention to leave. The notice period must be included in a written statement of employment particulars which must be issued to your employee within two months of them starting work.




...




The minimum statutory notice period which must be given by an employee is at least one week's notice if employed continuously for one month or more by that employer. This minimum is unaffected by longer service.



Minimum notice does not apply to the following people:



  • independent contractors or freelance agents - see our guide on employment status

  • employees whose fixed-term contracts have come to an end, with a few exceptions



Note that since you have no formal contract and thus presumably haven't been given your written statement of employment particulars then you are perfectly at liberty to require one of your current employer, if you have been there more than a couple of months.



This doesn't necessarily have to give away the fact that you are job hunting. You could approach HR and say "Hi, I've just been catching up on paperwork at home and realised that I never received my copy of my contract or employment particulars. Could you get them to me as I should have got them within two months of starting".



If they refuse or delay your request, then you can remind them that it is a legal obligation on both of you, and that you would really feel more comfortable if your working relationship were on a solid legal footing.






share|improve this answer
















  • 7




    +1 for the slightly disingenuous approach to HR - you could also say you have been asked to produce a contract for a loan or mortgage application for example...
    – David M
    Aug 22 '12 at 14:13










  • And Custom and practice might be relevent if for example the majority of the recent leavers gave 1 months notice - then that would be seen as "resonable" Also is there a company hand book? as this may state the notice periods
    – Neuro
    Aug 24 '12 at 9:57











  • @DavidM - Just in case you are being serious, I don't think recommending that people lie is very professional, no matter how small the lie.
    – Mark Booth
    Aug 24 '12 at 10:06










  • @Neuro - Custom and practice is to obey the law and provide a written statement of employment particulars, since they have failed to do that any they have ethically as well as legally given up any right to anything more than the statutory notice period. As to the Employee Handbook, the only reason it has any force at all is because it is referenced in the contract or wsoep. *8')
    – Mark Booth
    Aug 24 '12 at 10:07











  • @MarkBooth well if it went to an IT I bet Custom and practice might override statutiry minimima's
    – Neuro
    Aug 29 '12 at 12:42

















up vote
10
down vote














Is there anyway I could ask my current employer without giving away the fact I am job searching?




Not really.




Alternatively, is there any other way I could attempt to deal with the issue?




Investigate the standard business practices of your region. At least in the US, 2 weeks is the standard notice time. Otherwise, companies understand that the notice time is actually kind of negotiable (where not otherwise limited legally). When you say you're going to leave, your current company may ask for you to stick around for some extra time to transfer knowledge. Then it's up to you to work with them.



For example, I just changed jobs recently and my new company asked, and I told them "I have a bit of knowledge so it might take a little bit more than 2 weeks." They said 'Sure. We'd love to have you here as soon as possible, but understand that you need to maintain those professional relationships.'



When I put in my resignation, my old company asked for 4 weeks, I said I could give them 3 so I was there for 3 weeks.






share|improve this answer
















  • 3




    I have to vote this answer based on the fact you point both time period you are required ( by a contract ), what the typical standard time period is, and working with your current employeer in order to maintain professional relationships. Any company you are moving to that does not understand that dynamic and very important task, is a company you should avoid, because they clearly have no problem burning bridges. Those very same people who burn bridges might be working at the next Google, Apple, or Microsoft and you might be in a leadership position to return the favor.
    – Ramhound
    Aug 22 '12 at 15:34











  • How is an answer quoting US custom and practice apropraite for a UK employer
    – Neuro
    Aug 29 '12 at 12:52










  • @neuro Where did Sam indicate that they are in the UK? Not in the question...
    – Telastyn
    Aug 29 '12 at 13:22










  • The Q is tagged with United Kingdom
    – Neuro
    Aug 29 '12 at 14:58










  • @neuro ah, I see now. It was added after I answered.
    – Telastyn
    Aug 29 '12 at 15:02

















up vote
0
down vote













Anyone hiring you would have some concern if you indicated you would leave your existing position with too short of notice. What is considered "normal" is specific to where you live. In the US, 2 weeks is typical.



You can ask the interviewer for an acceptable range of time.






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    0
    down vote













    I happened to see this at work on the www.xperthr.co.uk site (I work for RBI)



    The Employment Rights Act 1996, section 86 provides that the statutory minimum notice to be given by an employee who has been continuously employed for one month or more to terminate his or her contract is not less than one week.



    Where the employee has been employed for one month but less than two years, the statutory minimum to be provided by the employer is one week's notice. After two years' service this rises to one week for each year of continuous service, although a maximum of 12 weeks' notice applies where the employee has been employed for 12 years or more.






    share|improve this answer






















    • Why do you jump straight from talking about employee obligations (which is what the question is about) to talking about employer obligations (which are not relevant), as the latter confuses the issue. Hopefully my edit clarifies this.
      – Mark Booth
      Aug 29 '12 at 13:14










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    4 Answers
    4






    active

    oldest

    votes








    4 Answers
    4






    active

    oldest

    votes









    active

    oldest

    votes






    active

    oldest

    votes








    up vote
    16
    down vote



    accepted










    In the UK, the minimum notice you are allowed to give is one week.



    From this business link article:




    Contractual and statutory notice periods



    An employee who has worked for a company continuously for one month or more must give and receive notice of dismissal/redundancy or intention to leave. The notice period must be included in a written statement of employment particulars which must be issued to your employee within two months of them starting work.




    ...




    The minimum statutory notice period which must be given by an employee is at least one week's notice if employed continuously for one month or more by that employer. This minimum is unaffected by longer service.



    Minimum notice does not apply to the following people:



    • independent contractors or freelance agents - see our guide on employment status

    • employees whose fixed-term contracts have come to an end, with a few exceptions



    Note that since you have no formal contract and thus presumably haven't been given your written statement of employment particulars then you are perfectly at liberty to require one of your current employer, if you have been there more than a couple of months.



    This doesn't necessarily have to give away the fact that you are job hunting. You could approach HR and say "Hi, I've just been catching up on paperwork at home and realised that I never received my copy of my contract or employment particulars. Could you get them to me as I should have got them within two months of starting".



    If they refuse or delay your request, then you can remind them that it is a legal obligation on both of you, and that you would really feel more comfortable if your working relationship were on a solid legal footing.






    share|improve this answer
















    • 7




      +1 for the slightly disingenuous approach to HR - you could also say you have been asked to produce a contract for a loan or mortgage application for example...
      – David M
      Aug 22 '12 at 14:13










    • And Custom and practice might be relevent if for example the majority of the recent leavers gave 1 months notice - then that would be seen as "resonable" Also is there a company hand book? as this may state the notice periods
      – Neuro
      Aug 24 '12 at 9:57











    • @DavidM - Just in case you are being serious, I don't think recommending that people lie is very professional, no matter how small the lie.
      – Mark Booth
      Aug 24 '12 at 10:06










    • @Neuro - Custom and practice is to obey the law and provide a written statement of employment particulars, since they have failed to do that any they have ethically as well as legally given up any right to anything more than the statutory notice period. As to the Employee Handbook, the only reason it has any force at all is because it is referenced in the contract or wsoep. *8')
      – Mark Booth
      Aug 24 '12 at 10:07











    • @MarkBooth well if it went to an IT I bet Custom and practice might override statutiry minimima's
      – Neuro
      Aug 29 '12 at 12:42














    up vote
    16
    down vote



    accepted










    In the UK, the minimum notice you are allowed to give is one week.



    From this business link article:




    Contractual and statutory notice periods



    An employee who has worked for a company continuously for one month or more must give and receive notice of dismissal/redundancy or intention to leave. The notice period must be included in a written statement of employment particulars which must be issued to your employee within two months of them starting work.




    ...




    The minimum statutory notice period which must be given by an employee is at least one week's notice if employed continuously for one month or more by that employer. This minimum is unaffected by longer service.



    Minimum notice does not apply to the following people:



    • independent contractors or freelance agents - see our guide on employment status

    • employees whose fixed-term contracts have come to an end, with a few exceptions



    Note that since you have no formal contract and thus presumably haven't been given your written statement of employment particulars then you are perfectly at liberty to require one of your current employer, if you have been there more than a couple of months.



    This doesn't necessarily have to give away the fact that you are job hunting. You could approach HR and say "Hi, I've just been catching up on paperwork at home and realised that I never received my copy of my contract or employment particulars. Could you get them to me as I should have got them within two months of starting".



    If they refuse or delay your request, then you can remind them that it is a legal obligation on both of you, and that you would really feel more comfortable if your working relationship were on a solid legal footing.






    share|improve this answer
















    • 7




      +1 for the slightly disingenuous approach to HR - you could also say you have been asked to produce a contract for a loan or mortgage application for example...
      – David M
      Aug 22 '12 at 14:13










    • And Custom and practice might be relevent if for example the majority of the recent leavers gave 1 months notice - then that would be seen as "resonable" Also is there a company hand book? as this may state the notice periods
      – Neuro
      Aug 24 '12 at 9:57











    • @DavidM - Just in case you are being serious, I don't think recommending that people lie is very professional, no matter how small the lie.
      – Mark Booth
      Aug 24 '12 at 10:06










    • @Neuro - Custom and practice is to obey the law and provide a written statement of employment particulars, since they have failed to do that any they have ethically as well as legally given up any right to anything more than the statutory notice period. As to the Employee Handbook, the only reason it has any force at all is because it is referenced in the contract or wsoep. *8')
      – Mark Booth
      Aug 24 '12 at 10:07











    • @MarkBooth well if it went to an IT I bet Custom and practice might override statutiry minimima's
      – Neuro
      Aug 29 '12 at 12:42












    up vote
    16
    down vote



    accepted







    up vote
    16
    down vote



    accepted






    In the UK, the minimum notice you are allowed to give is one week.



    From this business link article:




    Contractual and statutory notice periods



    An employee who has worked for a company continuously for one month or more must give and receive notice of dismissal/redundancy or intention to leave. The notice period must be included in a written statement of employment particulars which must be issued to your employee within two months of them starting work.




    ...




    The minimum statutory notice period which must be given by an employee is at least one week's notice if employed continuously for one month or more by that employer. This minimum is unaffected by longer service.



    Minimum notice does not apply to the following people:



    • independent contractors or freelance agents - see our guide on employment status

    • employees whose fixed-term contracts have come to an end, with a few exceptions



    Note that since you have no formal contract and thus presumably haven't been given your written statement of employment particulars then you are perfectly at liberty to require one of your current employer, if you have been there more than a couple of months.



    This doesn't necessarily have to give away the fact that you are job hunting. You could approach HR and say "Hi, I've just been catching up on paperwork at home and realised that I never received my copy of my contract or employment particulars. Could you get them to me as I should have got them within two months of starting".



    If they refuse or delay your request, then you can remind them that it is a legal obligation on both of you, and that you would really feel more comfortable if your working relationship were on a solid legal footing.






    share|improve this answer












    In the UK, the minimum notice you are allowed to give is one week.



    From this business link article:




    Contractual and statutory notice periods



    An employee who has worked for a company continuously for one month or more must give and receive notice of dismissal/redundancy or intention to leave. The notice period must be included in a written statement of employment particulars which must be issued to your employee within two months of them starting work.




    ...




    The minimum statutory notice period which must be given by an employee is at least one week's notice if employed continuously for one month or more by that employer. This minimum is unaffected by longer service.



    Minimum notice does not apply to the following people:



    • independent contractors or freelance agents - see our guide on employment status

    • employees whose fixed-term contracts have come to an end, with a few exceptions



    Note that since you have no formal contract and thus presumably haven't been given your written statement of employment particulars then you are perfectly at liberty to require one of your current employer, if you have been there more than a couple of months.



    This doesn't necessarily have to give away the fact that you are job hunting. You could approach HR and say "Hi, I've just been catching up on paperwork at home and realised that I never received my copy of my contract or employment particulars. Could you get them to me as I should have got them within two months of starting".



    If they refuse or delay your request, then you can remind them that it is a legal obligation on both of you, and that you would really feel more comfortable if your working relationship were on a solid legal footing.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Aug 22 '12 at 13:21









    Mark Booth

    4,12912446




    4,12912446







    • 7




      +1 for the slightly disingenuous approach to HR - you could also say you have been asked to produce a contract for a loan or mortgage application for example...
      – David M
      Aug 22 '12 at 14:13










    • And Custom and practice might be relevent if for example the majority of the recent leavers gave 1 months notice - then that would be seen as "resonable" Also is there a company hand book? as this may state the notice periods
      – Neuro
      Aug 24 '12 at 9:57











    • @DavidM - Just in case you are being serious, I don't think recommending that people lie is very professional, no matter how small the lie.
      – Mark Booth
      Aug 24 '12 at 10:06










    • @Neuro - Custom and practice is to obey the law and provide a written statement of employment particulars, since they have failed to do that any they have ethically as well as legally given up any right to anything more than the statutory notice period. As to the Employee Handbook, the only reason it has any force at all is because it is referenced in the contract or wsoep. *8')
      – Mark Booth
      Aug 24 '12 at 10:07











    • @MarkBooth well if it went to an IT I bet Custom and practice might override statutiry minimima's
      – Neuro
      Aug 29 '12 at 12:42












    • 7




      +1 for the slightly disingenuous approach to HR - you could also say you have been asked to produce a contract for a loan or mortgage application for example...
      – David M
      Aug 22 '12 at 14:13










    • And Custom and practice might be relevent if for example the majority of the recent leavers gave 1 months notice - then that would be seen as "resonable" Also is there a company hand book? as this may state the notice periods
      – Neuro
      Aug 24 '12 at 9:57











    • @DavidM - Just in case you are being serious, I don't think recommending that people lie is very professional, no matter how small the lie.
      – Mark Booth
      Aug 24 '12 at 10:06










    • @Neuro - Custom and practice is to obey the law and provide a written statement of employment particulars, since they have failed to do that any they have ethically as well as legally given up any right to anything more than the statutory notice period. As to the Employee Handbook, the only reason it has any force at all is because it is referenced in the contract or wsoep. *8')
      – Mark Booth
      Aug 24 '12 at 10:07











    • @MarkBooth well if it went to an IT I bet Custom and practice might override statutiry minimima's
      – Neuro
      Aug 29 '12 at 12:42







    7




    7




    +1 for the slightly disingenuous approach to HR - you could also say you have been asked to produce a contract for a loan or mortgage application for example...
    – David M
    Aug 22 '12 at 14:13




    +1 for the slightly disingenuous approach to HR - you could also say you have been asked to produce a contract for a loan or mortgage application for example...
    – David M
    Aug 22 '12 at 14:13












    And Custom and practice might be relevent if for example the majority of the recent leavers gave 1 months notice - then that would be seen as "resonable" Also is there a company hand book? as this may state the notice periods
    – Neuro
    Aug 24 '12 at 9:57





    And Custom and practice might be relevent if for example the majority of the recent leavers gave 1 months notice - then that would be seen as "resonable" Also is there a company hand book? as this may state the notice periods
    – Neuro
    Aug 24 '12 at 9:57













    @DavidM - Just in case you are being serious, I don't think recommending that people lie is very professional, no matter how small the lie.
    – Mark Booth
    Aug 24 '12 at 10:06




    @DavidM - Just in case you are being serious, I don't think recommending that people lie is very professional, no matter how small the lie.
    – Mark Booth
    Aug 24 '12 at 10:06












    @Neuro - Custom and practice is to obey the law and provide a written statement of employment particulars, since they have failed to do that any they have ethically as well as legally given up any right to anything more than the statutory notice period. As to the Employee Handbook, the only reason it has any force at all is because it is referenced in the contract or wsoep. *8')
    – Mark Booth
    Aug 24 '12 at 10:07





    @Neuro - Custom and practice is to obey the law and provide a written statement of employment particulars, since they have failed to do that any they have ethically as well as legally given up any right to anything more than the statutory notice period. As to the Employee Handbook, the only reason it has any force at all is because it is referenced in the contract or wsoep. *8')
    – Mark Booth
    Aug 24 '12 at 10:07













    @MarkBooth well if it went to an IT I bet Custom and practice might override statutiry minimima's
    – Neuro
    Aug 29 '12 at 12:42




    @MarkBooth well if it went to an IT I bet Custom and practice might override statutiry minimima's
    – Neuro
    Aug 29 '12 at 12:42












    up vote
    10
    down vote














    Is there anyway I could ask my current employer without giving away the fact I am job searching?




    Not really.




    Alternatively, is there any other way I could attempt to deal with the issue?




    Investigate the standard business practices of your region. At least in the US, 2 weeks is the standard notice time. Otherwise, companies understand that the notice time is actually kind of negotiable (where not otherwise limited legally). When you say you're going to leave, your current company may ask for you to stick around for some extra time to transfer knowledge. Then it's up to you to work with them.



    For example, I just changed jobs recently and my new company asked, and I told them "I have a bit of knowledge so it might take a little bit more than 2 weeks." They said 'Sure. We'd love to have you here as soon as possible, but understand that you need to maintain those professional relationships.'



    When I put in my resignation, my old company asked for 4 weeks, I said I could give them 3 so I was there for 3 weeks.






    share|improve this answer
















    • 3




      I have to vote this answer based on the fact you point both time period you are required ( by a contract ), what the typical standard time period is, and working with your current employeer in order to maintain professional relationships. Any company you are moving to that does not understand that dynamic and very important task, is a company you should avoid, because they clearly have no problem burning bridges. Those very same people who burn bridges might be working at the next Google, Apple, or Microsoft and you might be in a leadership position to return the favor.
      – Ramhound
      Aug 22 '12 at 15:34











    • How is an answer quoting US custom and practice apropraite for a UK employer
      – Neuro
      Aug 29 '12 at 12:52










    • @neuro Where did Sam indicate that they are in the UK? Not in the question...
      – Telastyn
      Aug 29 '12 at 13:22










    • The Q is tagged with United Kingdom
      – Neuro
      Aug 29 '12 at 14:58










    • @neuro ah, I see now. It was added after I answered.
      – Telastyn
      Aug 29 '12 at 15:02














    up vote
    10
    down vote














    Is there anyway I could ask my current employer without giving away the fact I am job searching?




    Not really.




    Alternatively, is there any other way I could attempt to deal with the issue?




    Investigate the standard business practices of your region. At least in the US, 2 weeks is the standard notice time. Otherwise, companies understand that the notice time is actually kind of negotiable (where not otherwise limited legally). When you say you're going to leave, your current company may ask for you to stick around for some extra time to transfer knowledge. Then it's up to you to work with them.



    For example, I just changed jobs recently and my new company asked, and I told them "I have a bit of knowledge so it might take a little bit more than 2 weeks." They said 'Sure. We'd love to have you here as soon as possible, but understand that you need to maintain those professional relationships.'



    When I put in my resignation, my old company asked for 4 weeks, I said I could give them 3 so I was there for 3 weeks.






    share|improve this answer
















    • 3




      I have to vote this answer based on the fact you point both time period you are required ( by a contract ), what the typical standard time period is, and working with your current employeer in order to maintain professional relationships. Any company you are moving to that does not understand that dynamic and very important task, is a company you should avoid, because they clearly have no problem burning bridges. Those very same people who burn bridges might be working at the next Google, Apple, or Microsoft and you might be in a leadership position to return the favor.
      – Ramhound
      Aug 22 '12 at 15:34











    • How is an answer quoting US custom and practice apropraite for a UK employer
      – Neuro
      Aug 29 '12 at 12:52










    • @neuro Where did Sam indicate that they are in the UK? Not in the question...
      – Telastyn
      Aug 29 '12 at 13:22










    • The Q is tagged with United Kingdom
      – Neuro
      Aug 29 '12 at 14:58










    • @neuro ah, I see now. It was added after I answered.
      – Telastyn
      Aug 29 '12 at 15:02












    up vote
    10
    down vote










    up vote
    10
    down vote










    Is there anyway I could ask my current employer without giving away the fact I am job searching?




    Not really.




    Alternatively, is there any other way I could attempt to deal with the issue?




    Investigate the standard business practices of your region. At least in the US, 2 weeks is the standard notice time. Otherwise, companies understand that the notice time is actually kind of negotiable (where not otherwise limited legally). When you say you're going to leave, your current company may ask for you to stick around for some extra time to transfer knowledge. Then it's up to you to work with them.



    For example, I just changed jobs recently and my new company asked, and I told them "I have a bit of knowledge so it might take a little bit more than 2 weeks." They said 'Sure. We'd love to have you here as soon as possible, but understand that you need to maintain those professional relationships.'



    When I put in my resignation, my old company asked for 4 weeks, I said I could give them 3 so I was there for 3 weeks.






    share|improve this answer













    Is there anyway I could ask my current employer without giving away the fact I am job searching?




    Not really.




    Alternatively, is there any other way I could attempt to deal with the issue?




    Investigate the standard business practices of your region. At least in the US, 2 weeks is the standard notice time. Otherwise, companies understand that the notice time is actually kind of negotiable (where not otherwise limited legally). When you say you're going to leave, your current company may ask for you to stick around for some extra time to transfer knowledge. Then it's up to you to work with them.



    For example, I just changed jobs recently and my new company asked, and I told them "I have a bit of knowledge so it might take a little bit more than 2 weeks." They said 'Sure. We'd love to have you here as soon as possible, but understand that you need to maintain those professional relationships.'



    When I put in my resignation, my old company asked for 4 weeks, I said I could give them 3 so I was there for 3 weeks.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Aug 22 '12 at 12:27









    Telastyn

    33.9k977120




    33.9k977120







    • 3




      I have to vote this answer based on the fact you point both time period you are required ( by a contract ), what the typical standard time period is, and working with your current employeer in order to maintain professional relationships. Any company you are moving to that does not understand that dynamic and very important task, is a company you should avoid, because they clearly have no problem burning bridges. Those very same people who burn bridges might be working at the next Google, Apple, or Microsoft and you might be in a leadership position to return the favor.
      – Ramhound
      Aug 22 '12 at 15:34











    • How is an answer quoting US custom and practice apropraite for a UK employer
      – Neuro
      Aug 29 '12 at 12:52










    • @neuro Where did Sam indicate that they are in the UK? Not in the question...
      – Telastyn
      Aug 29 '12 at 13:22










    • The Q is tagged with United Kingdom
      – Neuro
      Aug 29 '12 at 14:58










    • @neuro ah, I see now. It was added after I answered.
      – Telastyn
      Aug 29 '12 at 15:02












    • 3




      I have to vote this answer based on the fact you point both time period you are required ( by a contract ), what the typical standard time period is, and working with your current employeer in order to maintain professional relationships. Any company you are moving to that does not understand that dynamic and very important task, is a company you should avoid, because they clearly have no problem burning bridges. Those very same people who burn bridges might be working at the next Google, Apple, or Microsoft and you might be in a leadership position to return the favor.
      – Ramhound
      Aug 22 '12 at 15:34











    • How is an answer quoting US custom and practice apropraite for a UK employer
      – Neuro
      Aug 29 '12 at 12:52










    • @neuro Where did Sam indicate that they are in the UK? Not in the question...
      – Telastyn
      Aug 29 '12 at 13:22










    • The Q is tagged with United Kingdom
      – Neuro
      Aug 29 '12 at 14:58










    • @neuro ah, I see now. It was added after I answered.
      – Telastyn
      Aug 29 '12 at 15:02







    3




    3




    I have to vote this answer based on the fact you point both time period you are required ( by a contract ), what the typical standard time period is, and working with your current employeer in order to maintain professional relationships. Any company you are moving to that does not understand that dynamic and very important task, is a company you should avoid, because they clearly have no problem burning bridges. Those very same people who burn bridges might be working at the next Google, Apple, or Microsoft and you might be in a leadership position to return the favor.
    – Ramhound
    Aug 22 '12 at 15:34





    I have to vote this answer based on the fact you point both time period you are required ( by a contract ), what the typical standard time period is, and working with your current employeer in order to maintain professional relationships. Any company you are moving to that does not understand that dynamic and very important task, is a company you should avoid, because they clearly have no problem burning bridges. Those very same people who burn bridges might be working at the next Google, Apple, or Microsoft and you might be in a leadership position to return the favor.
    – Ramhound
    Aug 22 '12 at 15:34













    How is an answer quoting US custom and practice apropraite for a UK employer
    – Neuro
    Aug 29 '12 at 12:52




    How is an answer quoting US custom and practice apropraite for a UK employer
    – Neuro
    Aug 29 '12 at 12:52












    @neuro Where did Sam indicate that they are in the UK? Not in the question...
    – Telastyn
    Aug 29 '12 at 13:22




    @neuro Where did Sam indicate that they are in the UK? Not in the question...
    – Telastyn
    Aug 29 '12 at 13:22












    The Q is tagged with United Kingdom
    – Neuro
    Aug 29 '12 at 14:58




    The Q is tagged with United Kingdom
    – Neuro
    Aug 29 '12 at 14:58












    @neuro ah, I see now. It was added after I answered.
    – Telastyn
    Aug 29 '12 at 15:02




    @neuro ah, I see now. It was added after I answered.
    – Telastyn
    Aug 29 '12 at 15:02










    up vote
    0
    down vote













    Anyone hiring you would have some concern if you indicated you would leave your existing position with too short of notice. What is considered "normal" is specific to where you live. In the US, 2 weeks is typical.



    You can ask the interviewer for an acceptable range of time.






    share|improve this answer
























      up vote
      0
      down vote













      Anyone hiring you would have some concern if you indicated you would leave your existing position with too short of notice. What is considered "normal" is specific to where you live. In the US, 2 weeks is typical.



      You can ask the interviewer for an acceptable range of time.






      share|improve this answer






















        up vote
        0
        down vote










        up vote
        0
        down vote









        Anyone hiring you would have some concern if you indicated you would leave your existing position with too short of notice. What is considered "normal" is specific to where you live. In the US, 2 weeks is typical.



        You can ask the interviewer for an acceptable range of time.






        share|improve this answer












        Anyone hiring you would have some concern if you indicated you would leave your existing position with too short of notice. What is considered "normal" is specific to where you live. In the US, 2 weeks is typical.



        You can ask the interviewer for an acceptable range of time.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Aug 22 '12 at 15:58







        user8365



























            up vote
            0
            down vote













            I happened to see this at work on the www.xperthr.co.uk site (I work for RBI)



            The Employment Rights Act 1996, section 86 provides that the statutory minimum notice to be given by an employee who has been continuously employed for one month or more to terminate his or her contract is not less than one week.



            Where the employee has been employed for one month but less than two years, the statutory minimum to be provided by the employer is one week's notice. After two years' service this rises to one week for each year of continuous service, although a maximum of 12 weeks' notice applies where the employee has been employed for 12 years or more.






            share|improve this answer






















            • Why do you jump straight from talking about employee obligations (which is what the question is about) to talking about employer obligations (which are not relevant), as the latter confuses the issue. Hopefully my edit clarifies this.
              – Mark Booth
              Aug 29 '12 at 13:14














            up vote
            0
            down vote













            I happened to see this at work on the www.xperthr.co.uk site (I work for RBI)



            The Employment Rights Act 1996, section 86 provides that the statutory minimum notice to be given by an employee who has been continuously employed for one month or more to terminate his or her contract is not less than one week.



            Where the employee has been employed for one month but less than two years, the statutory minimum to be provided by the employer is one week's notice. After two years' service this rises to one week for each year of continuous service, although a maximum of 12 weeks' notice applies where the employee has been employed for 12 years or more.






            share|improve this answer






















            • Why do you jump straight from talking about employee obligations (which is what the question is about) to talking about employer obligations (which are not relevant), as the latter confuses the issue. Hopefully my edit clarifies this.
              – Mark Booth
              Aug 29 '12 at 13:14












            up vote
            0
            down vote










            up vote
            0
            down vote









            I happened to see this at work on the www.xperthr.co.uk site (I work for RBI)



            The Employment Rights Act 1996, section 86 provides that the statutory minimum notice to be given by an employee who has been continuously employed for one month or more to terminate his or her contract is not less than one week.



            Where the employee has been employed for one month but less than two years, the statutory minimum to be provided by the employer is one week's notice. After two years' service this rises to one week for each year of continuous service, although a maximum of 12 weeks' notice applies where the employee has been employed for 12 years or more.






            share|improve this answer














            I happened to see this at work on the www.xperthr.co.uk site (I work for RBI)



            The Employment Rights Act 1996, section 86 provides that the statutory minimum notice to be given by an employee who has been continuously employed for one month or more to terminate his or her contract is not less than one week.



            Where the employee has been employed for one month but less than two years, the statutory minimum to be provided by the employer is one week's notice. After two years' service this rises to one week for each year of continuous service, although a maximum of 12 weeks' notice applies where the employee has been employed for 12 years or more.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Aug 29 '12 at 13:13









            Mark Booth

            4,12912446




            4,12912446










            answered Aug 29 '12 at 12:45









            Neuro

            467512




            467512











            • Why do you jump straight from talking about employee obligations (which is what the question is about) to talking about employer obligations (which are not relevant), as the latter confuses the issue. Hopefully my edit clarifies this.
              – Mark Booth
              Aug 29 '12 at 13:14
















            • Why do you jump straight from talking about employee obligations (which is what the question is about) to talking about employer obligations (which are not relevant), as the latter confuses the issue. Hopefully my edit clarifies this.
              – Mark Booth
              Aug 29 '12 at 13:14















            Why do you jump straight from talking about employee obligations (which is what the question is about) to talking about employer obligations (which are not relevant), as the latter confuses the issue. Hopefully my edit clarifies this.
            – Mark Booth
            Aug 29 '12 at 13:14




            Why do you jump straight from talking about employee obligations (which is what the question is about) to talking about employer obligations (which are not relevant), as the latter confuses the issue. Hopefully my edit clarifies this.
            – Mark Booth
            Aug 29 '12 at 13:14












             

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