Notice period calculator
How much notice the law asks for when someone leaves: from 1 week up to 12 for the employer, and 1 week for an employee who resigns. Enter when they started and when notice is given.
Statutory notice, worked out
The minimum by law at different lengths of service, from the calculator above. A contract can give more.
| Length of service | Employer gives at least | Employee gives at least |
|---|---|---|
| 3 weeks in | None by law | None by law |
| 6 months in | 1 week | 1 week |
| 18 months in | 1 week | 1 week |
| 3 years | 3 weeks | 1 week |
| 8 years and 4 months | 8 weeks | 1 week |
| 15 years | 12 weeks | 1 week |
From section 86 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, as GOV.UK explains it in handing in your notice.
This calculator gives the legal minimum as guidance, not legal advice. For one person’s situation, check their contract, or ask Acas (0300 123 1100, free) or a solicitor.
Let KivoHR handle the leaving
When someone leaves, KivoHR records who gave notice and when, their last working day and their leaving date with statutory notice added, next to the holiday they are owed and the steps still to do.
Notice period questions.
What is the statutory minimum notice period in the UK?
After a month’s continuous employment, an employer must give at least 1 week’s notice. After 2 years it is 1 week for each complete year, up to 12 weeks for 12 years or more. It is set by section 86 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.
How much notice does an employee have to give?
At least 1 week once they have worked for a month, however long they have been there. Their contract can ask for more, and often does.
What if the contract says something different?
The longer of the two applies. A contract can give more notice than the law, never less: a shorter period in a contract is replaced by the statutory one.
When does notice start?
From the day after it is given. So 4 weeks’ notice given on a Monday ends on the Monday 4 weeks later.
Is there any notice in the first month?
There is no statutory minimum in the first month. The contract decides, and if it says nothing, a reasonable period applies. Many contracts have a shorter notice period during probation.
Can I pay them instead of them working their notice?
Pay in lieu of notice is simplest when the contract allows it. Without that clause, check the terms or take advice before you do it.
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