I currently work for a large public sector employer, but have recently been subject to a number of issues and inflexibilities which has forced me to resign. I have now secured alternative employment with another large company who want me to start in January. After I take my remaining holidays if I left on 2 Jan I would have given them 6 months notice, but they are insisting on a further 6 months.

I would be grateful if anyone could provide any answer for the questions below.

1. Can they insist on 12 months notice, as I have been advised this is an unacceptable notice term.

2. Before resigning my doctor had signed me off with work related stress, which I decided was a good indication that it was time to leave. Since resigning I have been signed off again with stress, and am currently under performing due to lack of interest (they are willing to push me out the door but not let me go when I get a better job, so why should I help them syndrome). Even this is insufficient to convince them to let me go, the doctor has had lengthy conversations with them to no avail.

3. Some freinds have advised me that there is some european law that says if you are paid monthly the longest notice you have to give is a month, is there any truth in this advice.

4. Some colleagues in a similar position has advised me that prior to applying to the employment tribunal service I need to get a letter of deadlock from my employer, but they are sitting on all paperwork for the maximum term they can. It took them over 2 months to acknowledge my resignation with me chasing it up every 2 days, so I know any complaints will not be dealt with before my start date leaving no time to apply to the employement tribunal service, do I need to wait for my employer to reply to my complaints.

5. Could I use the adverse effects on my health as a contributing factor to get a tribunal hearing reasonably quick, and how long does this usually take.

Thankyou for your help.
Alan Ross