Notice period calculator · Free
UK notice period calculator
Find out how much notice you need to give, or are owed, and your likely last day. It compares the legal minimum with your contract. Your dates stay in your browser.
Notice in your contract (optional)Check your contract or written statement of employment particulars. Leave it blank if it doesn't say.
Enter your start date and the date notice is given to see your notice period and last day.
UK notice period rules
There are two numbers to know: the statutory minimum, set by law, and your contractual notice, set by your contract, written statement of employment particulars or staff policy. The longer one applies, and a contract can't give less than the legal minimum.
If you're resigning
- Less than one month's service, and nothing in writing: no notice required.
- One month or more: at least one week, or longer if your contract says so (many do).
If your employer is dismissing you or making you redundant
| Length of service | Statutory minimum notice |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 month | None (check your contract) |
| 1 month to under 2 years | 1 week |
| 2 to 12 years | 1 week for each full year (e.g. 4 years 9 months = 4 weeks) |
| 12 years or more | 12 weeks |
When notice starts
Unless your contract says otherwise, notice starts the day after it's given. So one week's notice given on Monday 2 November ends on Monday 9 November.
Exceptions the calculator doesn't cover
- Gross misconduct: an employer can dismiss without notice.
- Payment in lieu of notice (PILON): you're paid instead of working your notice.
- Garden leave: you stay employed and paid but don't work.
- Agreed early release: you and your employer agree a shorter period, ideally in writing.
- Fixed-term contracts: these end on their end date without notice. Notice applies if either side wants to end the contract early.
- Not an employee: some agency, casual and zero-hours workers aren't employees, so statutory notice may not apply.
For your own situation, contact Acas (England, Scotland and Wales) or nidirect (Northern Ireland).
Next steps
- Resigning? Use the resignation letter template with your last day filled in.
- Need a reference? Use the reference request template.
- Starting your job search? Check your CV for free or build a new one.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Handing in your notice
- GOV.UK: Redundancy notice periods
- GOV.UK: Dismissal notice period
- Acas: Notice periods
- Employment Rights Act 1996, section 86
- nidirect: Giving or getting notice from your job
General information, not legal advice. Rules checked 15 October 2026.
How to use it
- Choose whether you're resigning or your employer is giving you notice.
- Enter your start date and the date notice is given.
- Add the notice period from your contract, if it has one.
- Use the last day in your resignation letter, or check it against what your employer has told you.
Questions
- How much notice do I have to give when I resign in the UK?
- Whatever your contract or written statement says. If it doesn't say and you've worked there for at least a month, the legal minimum is one week. If you've worked there for less than a month and nothing is written down, you don't have to give notice.
- How much notice does my employer have to give me?
- At least the statutory minimum: one week if you've worked there between one month and two years, one week for each full year between two and 12 years, and 12 weeks after 12 years. If your contract gives more, you get the longer period.
- When does my notice period start?
- If your contract doesn't say, Acas says notice starts the day after you resign, or the day after your employer tells you in person. Written notice starts once you've had a reasonable time to read it.
- Is a month's notice the same as four weeks?
- No. A month's notice usually runs to the same date in the following month, which is often longer than four weeks. The calculator counts weeks and months separately. Check how your contract words it.
- Can I leave before my notice period ends?
- Only if your employer agrees. Acas suggests putting any agreement in writing. Leaving early without agreement is likely to be a breach of contract.
- Does this apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
- Yes. The statutory minimums are the same in England, Scotland and Wales, and Northern Ireland has the same minimums under its own law. Contracts and staff policies can give more.
- Does it work for agency, casual or zero-hours workers?
- Statutory notice applies to employees. Acas says agency workers and casual workers on zero-hours contracts are not likely to be employees, so check your contract or contact Acas.