Statutory notice period calculator
Type the length of service and see the minimum notice each side must give under UK law, and what happens when the contract says something else.
Questions people ask
What is the statutory minimum notice an employer must give?
Nothing in the first month. One week from one month to two years' service. One week for each complete year from two to twelve years. Twelve weeks at twelve years or more. Employment Rights Act 1996, section 86. Guidance, not legal advice.
How much notice does an employee have to give?
At least one week once they have been employed for a month, whatever their length of service. The contract can require more, and usually does for anyone senior.
What if the contract says something different?
Whichever is longer applies. A contract cannot give less than the statutory minimum, so a clause saying "one week" for someone with eight years' service is overridden by the eight weeks the law requires.
Does notice apply to gross misconduct?
No. A fair dismissal for gross misconduct can be summary, without notice or pay in lieu, provided a fair procedure was followed. Get that procedure right or the saving on notice is the least of the cost. Guidance, not legal advice.
What is pay in lieu of notice?
Ending the employment immediately and paying what the person would have earned over the notice period instead of having them work it. It needs a contractual right (a PILON clause) or agreement, and it is taxable as earnings.
Also free: the holiday entitlement calculator, the redundancy policy and 48 more UK policies.
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Notice, PILON, garden leave, what to put in the letter: Employ AI knows the ACAS codes and drafts the letter for you to check. Part of Work-Lynx, £2.50 a month plus £1 per employee. 14 days free, no card. Guidance, not legal advice.
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