Guides › Work and Employment › Notice Periods: How Much Notice You Must Give
Notice Periods: How Much Notice You Must Give
If you have worked for your employer for more than a month, you must give at least one week's notice, or more if your contract says so. Your notice usually starts the day after you hand it in. Give it in writing even if your contract does not require it, so you have proof.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Giving Notice
Minimum Notice
After more than a month in your job you must give at least one week's notice. source
Writing
Your contract says whether notice must be in writing. Give it in writing anyway if you might need to show it later, for example at a tribunal. source
Too Little Notice
Giving too little notice may break your contract and your employer could take you to court. source
Changing Your Mind
If you resign in the heat of the moment, tell your employer immediately. They can choose whether to accept the resignation. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 1 weekMinimum notice you must giveAfter one month in the job
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Check your contract for your notice period.
Step 2 of 4
Write a short, dated resignation letter.
Step 3 of 4
Keep a copy and ask for confirmation of your last day.
Step 4 of 4
Check your final pay includes untaken holiday.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Acas Helpline
Free and confidential. 0300 123 1100, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Rules here are for England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own employment law, the Labour Relations Agency and industrial tribunals; see nidirect.
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Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/handing-in-your-notice/giving-notice Checked 15 October 2026
- acas.org.uk/contact Checked 8 October 2026