Walking out on your job...has anyone done this?

[suzyangel]

What happens if you leave before your contract is up?

[pinkkitty]

without handing in your notice?

depends on the employer. at the very least they may not give you a good reference. Don't know about pay, though.

[suzyangel]

Tricky one this....basically got a new job but new firm want me next monday and my old firm won't release me till the following Wednesday (no reason, they are just being picky). Am concerned that I will lose out somewhere...P45?

[Buenchico]

The P45 won't be a problem. They're obliged to provide one, irrespective of the circumstances of your leaving. (Even if they don't, you can still complete a P46 instead).

As PK states, you probably won't be able to get a reference from them (which could turn out to be a problem if, for some reason, you leave your new job after only a short while).

Legally, you'll be in breach of your contract and your former employer will be able to pursue you (through the courts if necessary) for any losses which result through your early departure. If you work in the City, and your firm loses a multi-million pound contract because you leave early, they can demand that you repay the losses. However, most firms won't suffer any major losses because an employee walks out. They could still, however, force you to pay the additional costs of paying their staff overtime, or engaging an agency employee, to do the job which you should have been doing.

Chris

[suzyangel]

Work for a law firm which bizarrely makes it difficult for them to sue. They can't bear the bad publicity. They are just being awkward...as are the new firm. I hate law!!!

[helpmetoo]

just tell the new firm,
i can understand you wanting me to work for you as soon as possible but i am an honourable person and will treat my current employer fairly as required by my contract and will treat you and expect you to conduct yourself in the same manner,
if the new lot stick to their request i would question whether it is a good move,
previously i worked my three month notice period in full as contracted and the new company saw the value of the wait!