Job Discussion Forums

johnkg · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 127

Does anyone have any insight on how far ahead employers at the TESOL Arabia Job Fair will offer employment?

I ask because if I were to be offered a job this month, I would not (contractually) be able to leave my present employer until January 2010. My employer requires a full six months' notice that must coincide with the end of a semester. This means my prospective employer would have to wait 10 months for me.

Thanks in advance.

kiefer · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 268

Most of the of the positions won't be available until the fall, unless it's a military or police academy. Maybe a technical institute--some place with an ongoing program that doesn't break for summer.

turtlepi1 · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 94

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

If johnkg is employed at HCT he would be required to give a full six months notice coinciding with the end of a semester (so, in fact would have to stay until Jan 2010)

If he decides to resign without that notice period the VC will refuse permit to pay out end of service gratuity and any other end of service benefit (repatriation tickets and moving allowance) that HCT can deny him. This is now included in new contracts.

It used to be if your director signed off on your resignation, you could still get your benefits - The VC made an executive decision (along with some of the super duper college directors) that (a) this would no longer be the case and (b) that the decision was retroactive at the time it was put in place (3 or 4 years ago).

This is one of the ways that HCT tries to "discourage" people from jumping to another employer. The VC would dearly love to incorporate a ban into the employment contract preventing people from moving to another employer within 12 months of leaving HCT (even if they meet their contractual obligations to the letter) - however, as far as I'm aware he cannot do this because it is in direct contravention of UAE labour law concerning teachers at the tertiary level. I stand to be corrected on this point.

Therefore johnkg would have had to resign this past end of semester and hope that he could get another job before August in order to meet HCT contractual obligations - I have no idea if he works at HCT but this is how the employment contract is set out there.

mousette · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Posts: 21

I worked at a so-called "university" several years ago, but hated it. I was interviewed and hired by HCT prior to my contractual obligaton at the "university"being complete. HCT was willing to wait for almost the same time frame for me - 10 months. I began in January as well, so it is not impossible - there is precedent. I think if your qualifications are solid, and the prospective institute is reputable, then notice period requirements will be honoured. Of course, it all depends on the new employer...

kiefer · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 268

Have I mentioned the Community College of University of Sharjah is hiring?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Why yes... that does sound familiar...

Are you trying to get into trouble for running a job ad? Or are you just trying to find a replacement for yourself?

Laughing

turtlepi1 · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 94

kiefer · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 268

VS,

helenl · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Posts: 1202

Perhaps I should place more emphasis on the fact the VC has to approve anything less than a full semester's notice - that is in the contract or at least it was 3 years ago.

turtlepi1 · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 94

johnkg · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Posts: 127

Except you can't leave in the middle of a semester. Contractually, your last day must be the end of a semester. You must serve 6 months notice, therefore "full six months notice coinciding with the end of a semester" is accurate.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 4:48 pm Post subject:

helenl...as you must realize, the contract changes seemingly from moment to moment. It states that FA shall, which I consider to be synonomous with "must", give six-months' prior warning and vice versa. Further on, it states that the notice periods involving teaching staff should coincide with the start/end of the academic year.

So, ther it is...shall and should. In my mind: "shall" = "must" whereas "should" = a strong-ish suggestion.

NCTBA

johnslat · Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 5:05 pm Post subject:

Dear NCTBA,
Which is why General MacArthur, when leaving the Philippines, promised:

"I shall return."

rather than

"I should return."

Regards,
John

eha · Joined: 26 May 2005 Posts: 355 Location: ME

'...an institute of higher learning ...'

You actually KNOW of one?