Advice Needed please

**Diestl** · 17 November 2008, 13:56

Originally posted by beemarman View Post

Hi,

Please some advice needed. I have been working for HBOS as a perm staff for the last 3 months. The job is ok, but a bit boring and I can probably do it with my eyes closed. I get paid £45k per year for the perm job.

I have been offered a contract role to work for Transport for London, the rate is £330 per day and it’s for 1 year.

I am a bit worried about the state of the current economy climate. I know my current perm job is not secure with the way HBOS is going but still feel if things get back at HBOS it will take a minimum of 1 year before they start laying people off.

Another problem is the new role wants me to start in 2 weeks but my notice period with HBOS is 1 month. I might see if they would let me go in 2 weeks but not sure they would agree. what right do i have if they refuse to let me go?

what should i do

Make a decision.

**Liability** · 17 November 2008, 14:05

Originally posted by beemarman View Post

Hi,

Please some advice needed. I have been working for HBOS as a perm staff for the last 3 months. The job is ok, but a bit boring and I can probably do it with my eyes closed. I get paid £45k per year for the perm job.

I have been offered a contract role to work for Transport for London, the rate is £330 per day and it’s for 1 year.

I am a bit worried about the state of the current economy climate. I know my current perm job is not secure with the way HBOS is going but still feel if things get back at HBOS it will take a minimum of 1 year before they start laying people off.

Another problem is the new role wants me to start in 2 weeks but my notice period with HBOS is 1 month. I might see if they would let me go in 2 weeks but not sure they would agree. what right do i have if they refuse to let me go?

what should i do

Are you able to speak with your HR on this issue?

Do you know how strict they are on notice period?

Do you have any senior managers you can speak with?

With the current state of HBOS Id be surprised if they make an issue unless you are senior or key to the business or your area.

**TykeMerc** · 17 November 2008, 14:08

£330 a day in London isn't a stellar rate, but I've no idea what your skillset is so it might be pretty good.
A 12 month gig for a first contract at a stable organisation is decent especially in the context of you being a permie who won't qualify for a redundancy payoff.

I don't normally condone bailing on notice periods but since you're still in the probationary period (HBOS used to be 6 months) I doubt they will make a fuss if you ask for 2 weeks notice. There's nothing to stop you calling in sick with "stress" for the last 2 weeks if they play silly buggers and insist you stay for the whole 4 weeks.

**beemarman** · 17 November 2008, 14:16

Originally posted by Diestl View Post

Make a decision.

Hmmmmmmm, i think i will go for it

**ratewhore** · 17 November 2008, 14:24

Any accrued holiday can be used against your notice...

**Manic** · 17 November 2008, 14:28

I'm at TfL

**d000hg** · 17 November 2008, 14:33

Isn't it true that not only are you not always forced to work your notice period, but often not allowed to?

**Another Dodgy Agent** · 17 November 2008, 14:39

Go for it!

Whatever the outcome with HBOS is, either merge with Lloyds, become state owned or just go under (can't see that happening as they are lending like mad at the mo, just given me a £15K cc the fools!!), your job is potentially in a risky position (given current climate) and having only worked for HBOS for 3 months you would not even see a tasty redundancy package. I would suggest in this particularly unique case on bailing out and going over to TfL. Much safer, potentially more money if you get the right accountant on your side and will keep you out of the financial services hot seat until we come out of the other side of this downturn in the economic cycle.

So, having decided to go for the contract gig you will then need to do the following in order:

If you are through an agent for TfL, see if they can negotiate a start date in four weeks time - if not why not? Understanding the reason for no scope for compromise may allow you to decide whether to keep going or not in your move from one company to another. If you went direct, phone the manager up, say you are keen to come on board but cannot break your notice, is there any scope for you to start in four weeks?

Once (and only once) things are agreed with Agent/TfL and you have somthing in writing from Agent/TfL (even if its just an email confirming start date and rate and any notice period), then give notice at HBOS. Whilst giving notice, see if you can negotiate your notice period down to two weeks. Explain its nothing personal but you have an opportunity to further your career with a similar large organisation etc. and need to prioritise your own personal future growth.

Change any of the above order as a process and you will face risk of exposure/no job.

**Unicorn** · 17 November 2008, 14:39

Competitor

Mr B,

Couple of options - 1. Tell them you're off to a competitor, increases the chances of being walked to the door, hand your pass in and being told to tend your garden for the period. Technically you do have to be available to come in to work but I'm sure your mobile could break.

Ratewhore - the accrued holiday CAN be used if it is agreed. The employer has to agree to the holiday request.

Option 2 - Request the final 2 weeks as holiday (whether it is accrued or not) and as soon as it is agreed hand in your resignation. If you don't have accrued holiday your final salary will be adjusted to reflect this.

HTH

Advice Needed please