Notice periods in the UK: what you owe and what you are owed

A notice period is the time between telling your employer you are leaving, or being told to leave, and your last day. The rules come from a mix of law and your contract.

Statutory minimum notice

If you have worked for an employer for at least one month, you generally must give at least one week of notice. An employer who is ending your employment must give a minimum based on your length of service, starting at one week and increasing for longer service. Always check the current figures on GOV.UK.

Contractual notice

Your contract may require longer than the statutory minimum, often one month for many roles and longer for senior ones. If the contract is longer, that is usually what applies. Employers cannot give you less than the statutory minimum.

Giving notice

Put your resignation in writing, state your last working day and keep a copy. You do not have to give a reason. A short, polite letter protects you if dates are later disputed.

Garden leave and pay in lieu

Some employers ask you to stay at home during notice (garden leave) while still paid. Others may pay you in lieu of notice if the contract allows. Check what your contract says before agreeing.

Holiday during notice

You can often use remaining holiday during notice if your employer agrees. Unused statutory holiday should be paid in your final pay. Ask for a written calculation.

Can I leave without working my notice?

Leaving early may be a breach of contract. In practice, many employers agree an earlier date. Ask for the agreement in writing.

If you are dismissed

Employees with enough service have protections against unfair dismissal. If you are unsure about your situation, free guidance is available from Acas and Citizens Advice.

Before you resign

Make sure the new job offer is unconditional and that references and right-to-work checks are complete. Resigning before the offer is firm is one of the most common and costly mistakes.