Notice Period
A notice period is the time between announcing your resignation and your last working day, or between being given notice and your employment ending.
Notice periods are specified in your employment contract and apply to both employee resignations and employer dismissals. They give both parties time to prepare for the transition—you can search for a new job while still employed, and your employer can plan for your departure.
In the UK, the statutory minimum notice from employers is one week for each year of service (up to 12 weeks). Contractual notice periods are often longer, especially for senior roles—one to three months is common for professional positions.
When you're job hunting, be clear about your notice period with prospective employers. Some may wait; others may need someone sooner. In some cases, employers will negotiate to release you early, or pay you in lieu of notice.
Key Points
- Specified in your employment contract
- Statutory minimum is 1 week per year of service (up to 12 weeks)
- Professional roles often have 1-3 month notice periods
- Can sometimes be negotiated shorter or paid in lieu
- Be upfront about your notice period when job hunting
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave before my notice period ends?
Only if your employer agrees. Leaving early without agreement could be a breach of contract. Some employers will let you go early; others may hold you to the full period.
What's payment in lieu of notice (PILON)?
PILON is when your employer pays you for your notice period but doesn't require you to work it. You leave immediately but receive the pay you would have earned during notice.