Contract Notice Period

**handsfree** · 3 January 2006, 23:32

normal

Yes, it's normal. If anything, the fact that they have to give you a month's notice is very good. Often it's a week.

**Pointy-Hair** · 4 January 2006, 08:29

I was concerned not so much with the notice the client had to give me, but the fact that I may be locked in for 3 months; is this usually and can I be held to it? Thanks.

**Xenophon** · 4 January 2006, 08:30

Think of yourself as a professional providing an agreed service. Would you expect someone to walk out half-way through the job?

**Xenophon** · 4 January 2006, 08:32

Originally posted by Pointy-Hair

I was concerned not so much with the notice the client had to give me, but the fact that I may be locked in for 3 months; is this usually and can I be held to it? Thanks.

Depends on the wording. Possibly you can be held to it, but in my opinion if you decide to bail the bigger issue is the fact that you will annoy your client and probably agent too.

**Pointy-Hair** · 4 January 2006, 18:42

Thanks for your opinions. I wasn't planning to run out on them - just like to know where I stand.

**Mordac** · 4 January 2006, 19:14

As a point of principle, I always insist on being able to give notice during the first week (if you ask the agency nicely, they will invariably agree), just in case the role differs severely from that which is agreed at interview. After that, if you've signed up for 3 months, you should honour the contract, as you would expect the client to.

**ratewhore** · 4 January 2006, 23:45

You can always ask for reciprocal notice to be added before you sign. I do and have never had a problem with it...

**tim123** · 5 January 2006, 10:12

When presented with such a contract I always say to the agent that I am quite happy to agree to the fixed term, provided that a full description of the work I will be performing is part of the contract. I explain that I want a get-out if I turn up on day one and they give me tasks which I would never have agreed to do if they had been discussed at the interview (oops sorry, sales presentation).

This has (unfortunately) always resulted in a mutual notice period magically becoming possible.

tim

**jamesc1** · 19 January 2006, 15:23

This has happend to me

Hi

This has happened to me on a 6-month contract. I like you have every intention of working the full duration, but the principal of the matter means I would not agree. The agency told me it was something the client insisted on, but after some conversation they agreed to reciprocal notice there and then without having to check with the client first hmmmmm. I think agencies insist on this to guarantee their commission. I dont like it.

Contract Notice Period