Calculate Your Notice Period

Statutory Notice Periods in the UK

UK employment law sets minimum notice periods based on length of service. These are the legal minimums that apply unless your contract specifies longer periods.

Length of Service Minimum Notice Period
Less than 1 month No notice required
1 month to 2 years 1 week
2 to 12 years 1 week per year of service
12 years or more 12 weeks (maximum)

Contractual vs Statutory Notice

Statutory Notice: The legal minimum notice period required by UK employment law under the Employment Rights Act 1996.

Contractual Notice: The notice period specified in your employment contract. This can be longer than statutory notice but never shorter.

Key Points:

  • Your contract takes precedence if it specifies longer notice
  • Senior positions often require 3-6 months notice
  • Garden leave may apply during notice periods
  • Payment in lieu of notice (PILON) may be offered

Special Circumstances

Probation Period: Shorter notice periods often apply during probation, typically 1 week or as specified in your contract.

Fixed-term Contracts: Usually end automatically on the specified date, but if terminated early, standard notice periods apply if employed for over 1 month.

Redundancy: The same notice periods apply, but you may be entitled to redundancy pay depending on your length of service.

Gross Misconduct: Employers can dismiss immediately without notice in cases of serious misconduct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take annual leave during my notice period?
Yes, you can use annual leave during your notice period with your employer’s agreement. Any unused holiday pay should be paid with your final salary.
What happens if I don’t work my notice period?
Leaving without proper notice is a breach of contract. Your employer could potentially sue for damages, though this is rare for junior positions.
Can my employer make me work my full notice period?
Your employer can insist you work your notice period, place you on garden leave, or offer payment in lieu of notice (if contractually allowed).
Do I get paid during my notice period?
Yes, you must receive full pay and benefits during your notice period, whether you’re working or on garden leave.

Planning Your Resignation

When planning to resign, consider these important factors:

  • Review your contract: Check your specific notice requirements and any restrictive covenants
  • Consider timing: Think about bonus payments, pension contributions, and holiday entitlements
  • Handover planning: Prepare detailed handover notes and train colleagues where possible
  • Professional relationships: Maintain positive relationships for future references
  • Exit interview: Prepare constructive feedback for your exit interview

Remember that giving proper notice shows professionalism and helps maintain positive relationships with your current employer.

Employer Responsibilities

During the notice period, employers must:

  • Continue paying full salary and benefits
  • Allow the employee to take accrued annual leave
  • Provide normal working conditions unless on garden leave
  • Pay any outstanding expenses and final salary promptly
  • Provide references if requested (though not legally required)

Employers cannot reduce pay or benefits during the notice period as a form of punishment for resigning.

References

Employment Rights Act 1996, Chapter 18. London: The Stationery Office. Available from legislation.gov.uk
HM Government (2024). Redundancy: your rights – Notice periods. GOV.UK. Available from gov.uk/redundancy-your-rights/notice-periods
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (2024). Notice periods – What a notice period is. ACAS. Available from acas.org.uk/notice-periods
HM Government (2015). Handing in your notice – Giving notice. GOV.UK. Available from gov.uk/handing-in-your-notice/giving-notice
Northern Ireland Direct (2024). Giving or getting notice from your job. NI Direct. Available from nidirect.gov.uk/articles/giving-or-getting-notice-your-job