Compressorstall - I am assuming you are under 50 because over that age they can only hold you to a maximum of 6 months on PVR.
Gypsy has the best idea - try to negotiate a 6 month PVR and then you will make your in-date for your job in 4 months easily.
I don't know if the whole PVR time-scale has ever been challenged by an employment lawyer.