I started a new job on 3rd October last year and I HATE it. I've no found a new one (actually my old place of work who have given me everything I've asked for - finally) I never signed my contract at this new place of work so where do I stand with notice period? They're saying I've been abiding by the terms of my contract so it's irrelevant that I've not signed it and have to give 4 weeks. Is this the case? Or do they not have a leg to stand on? I was going to give them 2 weeks.
If their notice period is four weeks then i think they are perfectly entitled to ask you for four weeks notice. What they can do about it if you didn't is another question
If you left without working your notice you would be in breach of contract. The fact that you didn't sign the contract is irrelevant as you are deemed to have affirmed the contract by working as requested. The remedy for breach could be that they withhold any payment for the period you should have worked notice. More important is that they probably wouldn't give you a decent reference. You may think now that you don't need it but you never know what may happen in the future.
You may find outstanding holiday entitlement would effectively reduce the period you need to work. Also, you can try to negotiate over a shorter notice period- the employer may be happy for you to go earlier rather than having a disgruntled employee on the scene