Your last day, worked out the UK way.
Your notice usually starts the day after you tell your employer you are resigning, unless your contract says otherwise. That is the rule set out by ACAS and gov.uk.
Contracts can ask for more notice than this, but not less.
| Who gives notice | Time in the job | Legal minimum |
|---|---|---|
| You (the employee) | Less than 1 month | None, unless your contract says otherwise |
| You (the employee) | 1 month or more | 1 week |
| Your employer | 1 month to under 2 years | 1 week |
| Your employer | 2 years to under 12 years | 1 week for each full year |
| Your employer | 12 years or more | 12 weeks |
Set by section 86 of the Employment Rights Act 1996.
Usually the day after you tell your employer you are resigning. Your contract can set a different rule, and if it does, the contract applies.
Yes. Notice runs in calendar days, so weekends and bank holidays count. If your last day falls on a weekend, you stay employed until that day.
If you have worked there for a month or more, at least 1 week, or more if your contract says so. With less than a month in the job, the law does not require notice unless your contract does.
You may be able to take your remaining holiday during your notice period if your employer agrees to the dates. The holiday pay calculator shows how much you have built up.
Only if your employer agrees. Leaving early without agreement is likely to be a breach of contract, so talk to them first.
Check your contract, as many set a shorter notice period during probation. Once you have worked there for a month, the legal minimum of 1 week still applies.
Sources: ACAS: when the notice period starts ACAS: notice when resigning gov.uk: handing in your notice Employment Rights Act 1996, section 86
Last reviewed: 24 September 2026. General guidance only, not legal advice. For anything complex, call ACAS on 0300 123 1100.