Following proper procedures with notice periods can feel a little confusing at the outset. This guide takes a look at how much notice you need to give your employer if you plan on resigning. We’ll also give some handy tips on how to navigate the processes during notice.
We also explore some of the different scenarios involved in giving notice and how to approach them professionally. It is important to handle the resignation period correctly and per your employment contract.
What is A Notice Period?
A notice period is the length of time you are required to give your employer before you intend to quit.
This period allows the employer to put the wheels in motion for hiring a replacement and tying up any loose ends. It also provides the employee with the reassurance of normal pay for the notice period.
Along with their wages, employees are also entitled to sick and holiday pay during the notice period. The period also covers anyone who is dismissed or made redundant.
The length of the notice period can differ depending on the job role and employer. Some companies might have it set at a week, others up to 12 weeks. You must understand how your company operates or understand the statutory notice period.
How to Work Out How Much Notice to Give Your Employer
How much notice you are required to give your employer often comes down to to your employment contract.
Before handing in your notice, it is important to read your contract carefully and learn how much notice you need to give. Where possible, this should be adhered to. If you don’t give the proper notice, it may mean you are in breach of your contract.
Some employees may not have an employment contract in place or theirs has no mention of the notice period.
In these circumstances, the statutory notice period should be used when resigning. A contract can stipulate a timeframe longer than the statutory notice period, but it cannot be less.
What is the Statutory Notice Period When Resigning?
You calculate your notice period based on the length of time you have been with your current employer.
The rules are straightforward when an employee is resigning. If you’ve been employed for more than one month, you must give 1 weeks notice.
Source: Section 86 (2) Employment Rights Act 1986.
Notice Periods If An Employer Terminates Your Contract
When handing in your notice, It’s important not to get statutory notice when resigning mixed up with the rules for employers giving notice to employees. These periods are longer, and determined by length of service.
No notice is required if the employee has been in employment for less than one month. When employment is more than 1 month but less than 2 years then one week’s notice is required. Two weeks’ notice is the minimum for employees who have been there more than 2 years.
A weeks notice is added for each year of employment up to 12 years, meaning the maximum notice is 12 weeks.
Source: Section 86 (1) Employment Rights Act 1986.
Notice During Probation Period
The notice period during probation can vary. Again, in the first instance you should refer to your contract.
A probation period is a work trial before a worker becomes a permanent member of staff. You can give notice during probation if you realise the job isn’t for you and likewise, your employer can let you go.
If no notice is laid out in your contract then a week’s notice period should be given. No notice is required if you have been in employment for under one month. That means you cannot be forced to work your notice.
Also, it is worth noting that those employees on a zero hours contract are under no obligation to work shifts during their notice.
Quitting Without Notice
Sometimes, work environments can be stressful, perhaps even toxic for some people. This isn’t healthy for anyone but it is important to tread very carefully if you are considering quitting without notice.
As well as being in possible breach of contract, you may also put yourself at risk of a bad reference if you quit without notice.
Employers cannot lie on references but they can indicate that you left in an unprofessional manner. This will not reflect well on you moving forwards into a new job and may cause you unintended issues.
What Happens if You Quit with No Notice?
There are a many possible scenarios that could unfold if you choose to quit with no notice.
Sometimes resigning immediately may have no ramifications and you are free from the stresses of that particular job. Other times, however, your boss may choose to take things further, citing breach of contract.
Here are some possible outcomes when quitting without working notice:-
- You will be in breach of contract and your employer may decide to act on this which can result in court.
- It can cause things to end on bad terms with your employer which may affect your chances of getting references.
- It can put extra pressure on the staff you leave behind as they will need to pick up your workload as well as theirs.
- You may miss out on some of your wages if you do not work the agreed notice. You only legally need to be paid what you have worked if you quit without notice. This has to include any accrued holiday pay too.
- The best case scenario is that your employer agrees to let you go immediately with no ill feelings or bad consequences.
See also: What happens if you don’t work your notice period?
Legitimate Reasons For Quitting Without Notice
Sometimes, life events can take decisions right out of our hands and we have to handle things differently than we’d like.
There are times when immediate notice has to be given for personal reasons, some examples of which are below.
- An injury which makes your job physically impossible to do such as a bad back or broken leg.
- A traumatic family event such as the death of a family member.
- Your mental health causes you to be unable to hold down a job at that time, such as severe anxiety.
- Something illegal has happened in the workplace such as sexual misconduct.
In these scenarios above, most employers will waive any notice due to the circumstances.
Some employees may not have to give notice on probation if they have only worked in the role for a short time. Some contracts allow this if the worker has been there less than a month, allowing them to resign straight away.
How to Hand in Your Notice
You should take all the steps necessary to ensure you hand in your notice professionally and in the manner required.
This will normally mean referring to your contract and having a thorough read of the notice section. Most contracts will also stipulate how you should hand in your notice, as well as the process that should be followed such as putting your resignation down in writing.
Your letter should be clear about your intention to leave and also note your last working day so there is no confusion. If you follow the correct procedure for giving notice then things will run a lot more smoothly. Sometimes, you may be required to attend an exit interview where you will have a chat with your boss face to face.
It is best to remain professional when giving your notice as you may need references from the company in the future. By all means, state the reasons you are leaving but also remain dignified and humble where possible.
Negotiating a Shorter Notice Period
Although the notice period is often set out in a contract, it is possible to try and negotiate a shorter notice period.
Sometimes, it will be in the best interests of everybody to end things sooner than later. Tensions at work can soon escalate and decrease work productivity. If you feel you cannot work the entire notice then there is nothing to lose by having an honest conversation with your boss.
To try and reduce the notice period you can:
- Initiate a one to one chat with your boss at a time to suit them.
- Plan what to say and keep it to the point and professional.
- Offer to finish what you can before you go.
- Write up some useful handover information for the next employee.
- Ask if you can take your accrued holiday to finish the notice earlier.
- Broach the possibility of gardening leave.
- Offer to help find your new replacement.
There is no obligation for your employer to shorten your notice period. Staff quitting is one of the most stressful parts of running a business and it is worth remembering this.
That being said, you will never know the outcome if you do not ask in the first place. You may find that your employer is happy to let you resign with immediate effect if that is your preference.
