If you’ve been in your current job for less than a month, you won’t have to give any notice period (unless your contract says otherwise). If it’s more than a month, you’ll have to give at least one week’s notice. Your contract should make it clear how long is expected. If you don’t have a contract, and your employer has no written record of you agreeing to a notice period, you should give at least one week’s notice.
You can work a longer notice if your employer agrees. If you’re keen to move on, it may be possible to negotiate a shorter notice period.
Fixed-term contracts are different. You won’t need to give notice if you intend to leave on the last day of contract. Leaving early usually means giving at least one week’s notice, unless your contract says otherwise.
It’s worth waiting until your new employer has confirmed your employment before handing in your resignation. It’s best to resign in writing (email is fine), so that you have a record of the date you told your employer.
Don’t forget about your holiday days. If you have unused paid holiday you should speak to your employer about taking these during the notice period or being paid for them.
If you change your mind or find circumstances alter, speak to your current employer to see what the options are and if you can stay in your current role.
Contact Citizens Advice Sherwood and Newark
- General advice via their Adviceline on 0800 144 88 48 or Relay UK (if you can’t hear or speak on the phone, you can type what you want to say) on 18001 0800 144 8884 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm)
- Call the local office on 01623 861769, where you may be offered a call back
- Chat online to an adviser – www.citizensadvice.org.uk/contact-us
- Call into their Newark or Ollerton offices