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Shunter driver notice period

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JWS

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Hi I am a shunter driver. have actually just been for my medical with another TOC for a trainee mainline driver.

my current contract says 12weeks notice, is this the case even if I’m on probation for 2years.

Obviously I have no start date for the new employment however if it’s less then 12weeks are these notice periods negotiable?
I don’t want to leave under a dark cloud or unprofessionally. But at the same time I don’t want to delay and possibly miss this huge opportunity.

Anyone gone through this or fancy to comment :)?

Cheers
 
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LCC106

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I would wait for the results of the medical and firm job offer, then talk to your manager and ask if the notice period can be reduced so you can pursue a mainline career. The worst they can say is no, but yes, you are tied into that notice period during probation unless your written statement of terms and conditions says otherwise.

Edit to add your employer may already have been approached for your safety of the line record.
 

Twotwo

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I was a shunter driver and my notice period was something silly like 6 months. I turned down the first date for my course for another toc but when I got the call for the second I knew I'd regret turning it down. In the end I gave 2.5 months notice and my first toc weren't happy but it was the best decision I made.

You are not tied to that notice period and at the end of the day these opportunities do not come often. My only regret was not taking the first offer. Only 2 people from my shunters course are on mainline but only part time so I know I made the right decision.
 

Samzino

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I'd try to give at least one month's notice at the minimum. Ultimately, you've got a better opportunity and have to take it. There isn't much loyalty to a company unless you feel you're getting as much out of it as you're giving to it.
 

JWS

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135
Location
Bishops Stortford
I was a shunter driver and my notice period was something silly like 6 months. I turned down the first date for my course for another toc but when I got the call for the second I knew I'd regret turning it down. In the end I gave 2.5 months notice and my first toc weren't happy but it was the best decision I made.

You are not tied to that notice period and at the end of the day these opportunities do not come often. My only regret was not taking the first offer. Only 2 people from my shunters course are on mainline but only part time so I know I made the right decision.
Did you still get an ok reference from the employer? Did you forewarn your new employer the situation that you wasn't going to work your notice period etc?
 

Twotwo

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Did you still get an ok reference from the employer? Did you forewarn your new employer the situation that you wasn't going to work your notice period etc?


When approached, they didn't give me a reference (I guess they were being petty) so the company that did my screening just asked for my first and last payslip. All they want to know is you worked for them on those dates. I do not regret one thing at all.

Ultimately you do not owe them any loyalty but my first toc are quite petty like that and other people have had issues. I hope your toc is more understanding and happy for you.
 

Samzino

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When approached, they didn't give me a reference (I guess they were being petty) so the company that did my screening just asked for my first and last payslip. All they want to know is you worked for them on those dates. I do not regret one thing at all.

Ultimately you do not owe them any loyalty but my first toc are quite petty like that and other people have had issues. I hope your toc is more understanding and happy for you.
Ah that's not the first time I've heard of said company doing such even where I'm at with Drivers mentioning such treatment.
 
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