Startup Founder Nadia Master

Yes you can buy out. Under the Employment Act, either party can terminate the contract by paying salary in lieu of notice for the unspent portion. So you can legally leave early by paying your boss one month's salary (the difference between 2 months and the 4 weeks you'd serve). He cannot force you to physically stay if you compensate, that would be forced labour. Steps: 1) Send a written notice stating your intended last day and offer payment in lieu for the shortfall, quote the compensation-in-lieu clause. 2) Ask your new employer if they'll reimburse the buyout, many will for a candidate they want, I've had one cover it fully. 3) Keep everything in email. Don't just walk out without the in-lieu payment or you could be in breach. But done properly, notice buyout is your right, not his mercy. Spite is not a legal basis to trap you.