Notice periods and how to resign professionally

How you leave a job is remembered for a long time, often longer than how you did it. A clean, professional resignation protects your reputation, keeps your references warm and leaves doors open in what is usually a surprisingly small industry. Rushing out in frustration, or simply not turning up, can follow you around. Here is how notice periods work and how to resign in a way you will be glad of later.

What a notice period is

Your notice period is the amount of time between telling your employer you are leaving and your last day. It gives them time to plan a handover and start finding a replacement, and it gives you time to wrap up your work properly. The length is set out in your contract, and it applies both ways: your employer must also give you notice if they end your employment.

How much notice you must give

Two things decide this: the law and your contract, and you follow whichever is longer.

• The statutory minimum for an employee is one week, once you have been employed continuously for a month or more, regardless of how long beyond that you have stayed.
• Your contract often requires more, commonly one month for many roles, and longer for senior or specialist positions.
• During probation, notice is usually shorter, often a week on either side.

Employers must give you more notice the longer you have worked there: at least one week after a month, rising to one week for each full year of service up to a maximum of twelve weeks after twelve years, unless your contract is more generous.

Gardening leave and pay in lieu

Sometimes you will not work your full notice. On gardening leave, you remain employed and paid but are asked to stay away from work, often to keep you from a competitor. With pay in lieu of notice, the employer pays your notice period as a lump sum and you leave immediately, which is only allowed if your contract permits it or you both agree. Either way you should be paid for the notice you are owed.

How to resign professionally

• Tell your manager first, in person or by call, before anyone else hears it. Do not let them find out second hand.
• Follow up in writing. A short, polite resignation letter or email stating your last day makes it official.
• Keep it gracious. Thank them for the opportunity, even if you are relieved to go. You do not need to explain every reason.
• Do not badmouth anyone, in the meeting, the letter or on the way out.
• Offer a proper handover and help train whoever picks up your work.

A simple resignation letter

You do not need anything elaborate. A few lines will do: "I am writing to give notice of my resignation from my role as [job title]. In line with my contract, my last day will be [date]. Thank you for the opportunities I have had here, and I will do all I can to ensure a smooth handover." Clear, warm and professional.

Work your notice well

It is tempting to coast once you have handed in your notice, but your final weeks shape the lasting impression you leave. Keep working to your usual standard, document your tasks for whoever follows, and tie off loose ends. The colleagues you leave on good terms today are the references, contacts and even future employers of tomorrow. Leaving well is one of the smartest career moves you can make.