Notice Period Calculator (UK Statutory Minimum)
Find out the minimum notice your employer must legally give you, and when your employment ends.
| Employer must give you (statutory minimum) | 5 weeks |
|---|---|
| You must give your employer (statutory minimum) | 1 week |
Your contract may require longer notice, and in that case the longer period applies. The statutory minimum is the legal floor.
Statutory minimum notice from your employer
| Length of service | Minimum notice |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 month | None |
| 1 month to under 2 years | 1 week |
| 2 years to 12 years | 1 week for each full year |
| 12 years or more | 12 weeks |
Your contract may give you more notice, but never less. If your contract sets a longer notice period (many require one to three months), that longer period applies.
Notice you must give your employer
If your contract does not say otherwise, the legal minimum is one week once you have worked for at least a month. Most contracts require more, particularly for senior roles, so check yours.
Pay in lieu of notice
An employer can end your job immediately if your contract allows pay in lieu of notice (PILON), paying you what you would have earned over the notice period. Even without a PILON clause, you are entitled to be paid for the notice period if they dismiss you without giving it.
When notice does not apply
Notice rules do not apply in cases of gross misconduct, where an employer can dismiss without notice following a fair process. Notice also works differently during a probation period if your contract says so, but the statutory minimum still applies after one month.
Sources: GOV.UK: Notice periods, Acas: Notice periods. Figures last checked on 8 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice must my employer give me?
At least one week if you have worked for them between one month and two years, then one week for each full year of service up to a maximum of 12 weeks.
How much notice do I have to give if I resign?
Whatever your contract says. If it says nothing, the statutory minimum is one week once you have worked for at least one month.
Can my employer give less notice than the statutory minimum?
No, unless they dismiss you for gross misconduct. Any contract that gives less than the statutory minimum is overridden by the law.
Is the notice period working days or calendar days?
Notice is counted in calendar time (weeks), not working days, and normally starts the day after notice is given.
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Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.