Good morning, I am about to leave my job and will give the required 4 weeks
notice. If I gave my employer five weeks notice instead, allowing them extra time to replace me, could they then insist that I leave at the end of only four weeks, which would result in my losing a weeks pay? I can't afford to lose the money but would be happy to give them a little extra time, however I fear they might not appreciate the gesture!
Maybe wait a few days and give them 4½ weeks if it puts your mind at rest. I'd just leave it a week and then give the required notice, but that's only because sometimes the relationship can become a bit difficult once it's known you are leaving. If their terms state 4 weeks then they must feel that is sufficient so I'd stick with that.
In answer to your question, it depends what notice period you are on- ie how much notice they must give you. If it's 3 months then they can't make you go earlier unpaid.
If it's 4 weeks or less and you have less than year's service they could issue a dismissal notice now as they don't need much of a reason but I can't see them wanting to bother.
If you've been there more than a year I don't think they'd bother dismissing you - it's not worth the paper work, hassle and potential claim.
They may expect you to take any unused holidays during the 4-5 week period, but if they need you to work all your notice they would have to pay you the holiday pay on top when you go.
Thank you for your sensible answer, Factor 30, I think you are right, perhaps it would be best to just give the specified 4 weeks. Although I've worked there for several years, they're not the most accommodating of employers and might not see that I am just trying to make things easier for them!
Not a bad idea Joko, as long as they don't jump in first, giving ME notice as soon as I tell them I have to leave, then I'd be a week between jobs and no wages. A pity for there to be so little trust after all the years, but sadly that's how it is.,
You could write a letter announcing that you will be formally tending your notice on a specified future date – thereby giving advanced notice of your resignation (and your final working day, based on notice period).
Your employer could then not terminate your employment 4 weeks from now – since you have not yet handed in your notice.