Notice period on Fixed Term Contract

[cojak]

The 1 year rule does not come into effect because you are not permanent employee.

[Sacro]

Hi All,

I was employed on a fixed term contract (from June 2010) for a period of six months (until Dec 2010), the employee notice period on the contract was 8 weeks. This contract is a one and a half page A4 document, is not very comprehensive and is silent on the employers notice requirements.

This contract has been extended 4 times (from Dec 2010 until Mar 2011, from Mar 2011 until May 2011, from May 2011 until August 2011 and recently from August 2011 until October 2011)

I have been offered another job, however, my prospective employer requires me to start work in two weeks. My present line manager is rather uncooperative and is not at all likely to agree to an amicable solution.

Can I give a one week's notice to my present employer (considering that I have been continuously employed for more than 1 year) despite the contract which requires me to give a 8 weeks notice?

I will be really very grateful if someone could guide me.

Thank You Very Much