What is the difference between statutory and contractual notice?

Statutory notice is the legal minimum set by the Employment Rights Act 1996 — one week after one month of employment. Contractual notice is the period stated in your employment contract, which is often longer (e.g. one to three months). You must serve whichever is longer.

What if I cannot find my contract to check my notice period?

Your employer is required by law to provide you with a written statement of employment particulars within two months of starting work (or from day one for employees who started after 6 April 2020). Contact your HR department to request a copy. In the meantime, the statutory minimum of one week applies.

Can my employer make me leave before my notice period ends?

Yes. Your employer may choose to accept your resignation with immediate effect, place you on garden leave (where you remain employed but do not attend work), or make a payment in lieu of notice (PILON). In all cases, you should receive pay for the notice period.

Do I accrue holiday during my notice period?

Yes. You continue to accrue holiday throughout your notice period as normal. Any accrued but untaken holiday must either be taken during the notice period (if your employer requires this) or paid out in your final salary under the Working Time Regulations 1998.

What happens if I am on sick leave during my notice period?

Your notice period still runs even if you are on sick leave. You are entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP) or contractual sick pay as normal. Your employment will still end on the date specified in your resignation.

Should I keep a copy of my resignation letter?

Absolutely. Always keep a copy for your records. If you hand-deliver the letter, ask your manager to sign and date a copy to acknowledge receipt. If you send it by email, keep the sent email as proof. This protects you in any future disputes about the date notice was given.

Resignation Letter with Notice Period — Free UK Template

Use this free template to write a resignation letter that clearly states the notice period you are serving.

FreePDF & Word

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Your Details

Your Full Name*

Your Address*

Recipient Details

Manager / Employer Name*

Manager's Job Title

Company Name*

Company Address*

Details

Your Job Title*

Contractual Notice Period*

As stated in your contract of employment

Date of Resignation*

Last Working Day*

Options

Include a reason for leaving

Offer to assist with handover

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[employeeName] [employeeAddress] [resignationDate] [employerName] [companyName] [companyAddress] Dear [employerName], FORMAL RESIGNATION — [jobTitle] I am writing to formally resign from my position as [jobTitle] at [companyName], effective from the date of this letter. As per my contract of employment, my contractual notice period is [contractualNoticePeriod]. I am therefore serving my full notice, and my last working day will be [lastWorkingDay]. During my notice period, I am fully committed to completing any outstanding work and assisting with the handover of my responsibilities to my successor or colleagues. Please let me know how you would like to manage this process. I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunities and experiences I have gained during my employment with [companyName]. Please confirm receipt of this resignation and advise on arrangements regarding my final pay, accrued holiday entitlement, and return of any company property. Yours sincerely, ___________________________ [employeeName] Date: [resignationDate]

Important Notes

Legal Disclaimer

The Employment Rights Act 1996, Section 86, sets out the statutory minimum notice periods for employees: one week's notice is required if you have been employed for one month or more. Your contract of employment may impose a longer notice period, and the contractual notice takes precedence over the statutory minimum. If you fail to serve the full contractual notice, your employer could, in theory, bring a claim for breach of contract — although this is uncommon in practice. During your notice period, you remain entitled to your normal pay and benefits. Under the Working Time Regulations 1998, any accrued but untaken statutory holiday must be paid on termination. This template is provided for general information and does not constitute legal advice.

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex legal matters, we recommend consulting a qualified solicitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Templates

Standard Resignation Letter Resignation Letter with Short Notice Immediate Resignation Letter Resignation Letter for New Job