For England, Scotland and Wales
Notice runs in calendar days, not working days, so a month's notice handed in on the wrong Tuesday can land on a bank holiday weekend. Put in the date you resign and what your contract says, and this gives you the last day, the working days left in it, and the dates worth putting in the diary.
Plenty of contracts are silent on notice, and plenty of people cannot find their contract at all. The statutory minimum is the floor in both cases: a week once you have been there a month, then a week for every complete year, stopping at twelve.
Your contract sets your notice, but it cannot set it below the statutory minimum, and a good many contracts quietly try.
The figure above counts calendar days from the day notice starts. Weekends and bank holidays are inside the period, not added to the end of it, which is why a three month notice worked over Christmas loses more working days than one worked in June.
A notice period is the time between handing in your resignation (or being given notice of termination) and your last day of work. It gives both parties time to prepare for the transition.
Statutory Notice (minimum by law):
Common Contractual Notice Periods:
Notice periods are usually counted in calendar days, which includes weekends and bank holidays. However, "working days" shows you how many actual work days you have left.
Your employer may ask you to stay away from work during your notice period (called "garden leave"). You'll still be paid and employed, but not required to work. This is common for:
If your contract allows it, your employer can pay you instead of requiring you to work your notice period. This is called "payment in lieu of notice."
You can only leave before your notice period ends if:
If you leave without serving your notice:
When does my notice period start?
It starts the day after you give notice, unless your contract states otherwise. For example, if you resign on Monday, your notice typically starts on Tuesday.
Can my employer extend my notice period?
No, they cannot unilaterally extend it beyond what's in your contract. However, they can ask you to stay longer (you can refuse).
What if I'm on sick leave?
Your notice period continues during sick leave. You'll be paid according to your company's sick pay policy.
Do I get paid for notice period?
Yes, you continue to receive your normal salary during your notice period unless you're being dismissed for gross misconduct.
Can I be forced to work my notice?
Generally yes, if it's in your contract. However, your employer may agree to let you leave earlier or put you on garden leave.
What about probation periods?
Notice periods during probation are usually shorter (often 1 week or none at all). Check your contract.
Subject: Resignation Notice
Dear [Manager's Name],
I am writing to formally notify you of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name].
In accordance with my contract, I am providing [X weeks/months] notice. My last day of work will be [Date].
Thank you for the opportunities I have had during my time with the company.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]