When to hand notice in?

[PeteinSQ]

I've got a job offer from another employer. I've signed a conditional offer which set out pay, benefits etc.

Do I hand my notice in now, or do I wait until the formal contract turns up?

[Geffg]

I’ve always waited till I get the contract through.

[nebpor]

Wait for the formal contract and not a moment before it's signed and agreed

[PeteinSQ]

Ok perfect. Thanks

[Scabutz]

Yeah always wait for the contract. If for whatever reason they decided to pull the job before you start they would still pay your notice period.

[anonymous-user]

Yep wait for a contract with a start date on it.

[Mirinjawbro]

always wait for the contract - i've been done over too many times with this sort of thing

although my dad who works for the NHS has had it twice where they offered the contract out, the person gave notice but then they still pulled the role

[Gargamel]

I mean lit makes no difference really. You could be there on day 1 and they can ‘pull the role’

I guess it depends on the company, but if any of the businesses I have worked in gave you the offer letter (signed) you can resign based on that.

However of course if the contract is available within a few days, it’s best to have it, since there is usually a lot more detail on working times, employee handbook etc and much more information.

In some places (Countries) you don’t get the contract until the day you start.

[okgo]

Not sure a contract means anything until the day you're actually employed, i.e. it isn't a contract until then, its just a bit of paper.

I've signed a contract before and didn't go ahead with the role, I'm sure there is zero recourse if the alternative situation arises and the job disappears.

[Mr Penguin]

okgo said:

Not sure a contract means anything until the day you're actually employed, i.e. it isn't a contract until then, its just a bit of paper.

I've signed a contract before and didn't go ahead with the role, I'm sure there is zero recourse if the alternative situation arises and the job disappears.

It is anyway because they can get rid of you for any reason other than because of a protected characteristic until two years in.

[Countdown]

Gargamel said:

I mean lit makes no difference really. You could be there on day 1 and they can ‘pull the role’

I guess it depends on the company, but if any of the businesses I have worked in gave you the offer letter (signed) you can resign based on that.

However of course if the contract is available within a few days, it’s best to have it, since there is usually a lot more detail on working times, employee handbook etc and much more information.

In some places (Countries) you don’t get the contract until the day you start.

This ^.

Once you've agreed a start date I would hand your notice in to your current employers. it gives them the maximum amount of time to look for a replacement.

[Beetnik]

Countdown said:

This ^.

Once you've agreed a start date I would hand your notice in to your current employers. it gives them the maximum amount of time to look for a replacement.

Not this. My other half asked if she should give her notice in early to allow her current employer more time to recruit. She followed my advice to leave it until the last possible date - you never know what might happen in the interim. She was somewhat pleased she when served with a redundancy notice shortly afterwards and before handing her notice in.

[PeteinSQ]

God I would love to get made redundant now. I've got ten years tenure and my employer has reportedly paid 3 weeks per year. Can't see that happening.

Next best hope is gardening leave for three months.

[Sycamore]

If a company were to send me a contract in the post with a start date added, if I were to sign and return this by post, I'm assuming at that point I'd be good to hand in my notice?
I.e, I don't have to wait for them to confirm receipt of it.

Equally, in the past when I've been sent a contract, it was un-signed by the company, although it had a start date.
I then signed it and returned it.
They then returned a signed copy.
Is that just a weird way of them doing it?
It did seem odd at the time.