Breaking contract to leave employment

Hi All,
I have really fallen out of flavour with my current job and I need a change. I have secured a new position but they need me to take up this position within 2 weeks. The problem is I signed a contract with this employer 2 years ago which had written in it I would give 1 months notice. As I am here under 2 years can I legally leave with just 2 weeks notice or what are my current options?
Thanks

Are you due any holidays which could make up the shortfall ? Would it be in your current companies best interest if you left straight away ? I'd suggest to the new company that you would do your best to accomadate them but perhaps a month is more realistic. Then approach your current employer and ask would they accept two weeks notice. Legally, without a contract, you are OK with giving two weeks notice but remember not to burn bridges either.

We were only allowed carry over 3 days so I have them + what ever I have accumulated this year I think. Would definately not be in my current companies interests for me to leave at all but I'm being cast pillar to post here and this new job is a significant improvement in salary and experience!
Unfortunately I do have a contract is what I was in a totally roundabout fashion saying, just wondering is there any penalties for voiding it and giving two weeks?
Thanks Again

What penalty could they give except not pay you ?
They can't give you a bad reference - be up front, say you want to leave and use the holidays to leave as early as possible.
Give them as much notice as you can. But if you want to leave so badly, it is in their interests for you to go too.

I do have a contract is what I was in a totally roundabout fashion saying, just wondering is there any penalties for voiding it and giving two weeks?

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No penalties as such, and afaik, it is not enforcable but they may try to say otherwise. You really need to tell the new company that it would be bad manners on your behalf to not give the required notice period. Don't forget, you are at least showing that you are resposible. Companies tend to always try and get employees to start way too soon and when you get there you twiddle thumbs for a few weeks anyway.