My employer has just changed the period of notice we’re required to give when we leave to a week for every full year of service, up to a maximum of 12 weeks. When I go for interviews they tell me that it’s too long for them to wait. What would be the consequences of leaving before the end of the notice period?
If your employer has just altered your employment contract out of the blue you should probably write in saying you don’t agree to the change. Your contract (unless it’s a collective agreement) cannot be changed unreasonably without your approval. But generally speaking there isn’t much an employer can do if you leave early. An employer cannot withhold money you are entitled to, and would have to prove that your early departure had caused them financial loss in order to claim compensation from you.