Leaving a permanent job, safely

[nomadd]

Any suggestions?

Leave.

[DieScum]

I've been in similar positions. Caught up in politics. Never get assigned any decent work but when you say "ok guys, I get the picture, thanks but bye" you're suddenly public enemy no 1.

That can be resigning from a permie job or even just not accepting a renewal.

If possible try and get someone who will act as a reference. It can be a co-worker, preferably someone in an important position but even if it's just a friendly co-worker who has been there longer that can be fine.

Then onwards and upwards. They're all stuck there backstabbing, blaming and brown nosing each other while you're roaring off in to the distance on the next project.

[arrumac]

If you really think they will be "out to get you" see if you can agree to a shorter notice period (when I left permiedom I was able to negotiate from 12 to 5 weeks) and perhaps get in there first with the leaving email. Most decent firms only let HR handle the reference and even then they only ask dates worked, title and some question about your character. they might ask salary too.

[Wanderer]

it appears the company would view seriously if I make the attempt to leave. Two more guys at my level, left with lot of issues with some within the company trying to tarnish the image of the candidates.

Sorry to say it, but it sounds like you are stuck there permanently and you can never leave. Bad luck.

[NotAllThere]

Sounds like they'll put you on gardening leave - think of it as two month's paid leave before you go contracting. If you obtain evidence of you being bad-mouthed, a solicitors letter re: defamation of character should do the trick.

Once you've been on gardening leave for one month, unless there is a handcuff clause in you employment contract, it would be extremely difficult for your employer to prevent you taking up a contract. The most they could do would be to stop paying you and it might mess up your reference - on the other hand, the one time I left a company (as a permie) under acrimonious conditions, I simply told anyone asking for a reference that I wouldn't be getting one from them, as we weren't on speaking terms. It wasn't a problem.

[TheFaQQer]

The problem is - during the notice period, they assign absolutely no work.

So use that time to get up to speed with things that you'll need to know when contracting. Steal some stationery while you're in the office. Use your time to learn new skills that you might need in the future.

Enjoy the chance to earn without having to do any work. Get used to it

[kingcook]

Tell them you are leaving the country at the end of the week, and there's no way you can continue working for them.

Get a flight out to Dublin on Friday night, have a jolly time in Temple Bar, then fly back on Sunday.

[lukemg]

Get a contract, leave everything behind on the last Friday, including pass, laptop etc , start new job on the Monday, see how long it takes for them to get hold of you, ignore calls etc, when they do speak to you, just say you have left and wont be back.
No idea if this is legal but companies who treat people like this deserve no respect.

[kal]

Get a contract, leave everything behind on the last Friday, including pass, laptop etc , start new job on the Monday, see how long it takes for them to get hold of you, ignore calls etc, when they do speak to you, just say you have left and wont be back.
No idea if this is legal but companies who treat people like this deserve no respect.

In theory they could go legal, better to just resign and work your notice period if they make you, otherwise if they let you go early they will have to pay you in lieu. Last time I checked slavery was illegal in the UK so they can't make you stay

[Old Greg]

Get a contract, leave everything behind on the last Friday, including pass, laptop etc , start new job on the Monday, see how long it takes for them to get hold of you, ignore calls etc, when they do speak to you, just say you have left and wont be back.
No idea if this is legal but companies who treat people like this deserve no respect.

Threaten to put in a constructive dismissal complaint. Get your 10 grand compromise agreement and go contracting.