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Resignation letter UK example

Resignation letter UK rules start with your contract: it sets your notice, and if it says nothing, the legal minimum after a month in the job is one week (Employment Rights Act 1996). The letter states it, gives your last working day and asks for your final pay, untaken holiday and your P45, in British English.

Free · no login · download as PDF · Updated 28 September 2026

By Rajesh Kumar · How these pages are made

Include

Check your contract. Your contract sets your notice. If it says nothing, the legal minimum after a month in the job is one week. Holiday you have built up but not taken is normally paid in your final pay.

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Add your name, job title, company and last working day. The letter states your last working day, respects your notice period and asks for what you need when you leave: the things HR looks for.

Sample letter

Written by the form above for a made-up person. Fill in the form to write yours.

Sample: United Kingdom, formal, 1 month notice

26 September 2026

Sarah Collins
Northwind Ltd

Dear Sarah,

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the position of Senior Analyst at Northwind Ltd. I have accepted an opportunity that fits closely with my long-term career goals. In line with my notice period of one month, my last working day will be 26 October 2026.

Until my last working day, I will complete a full handover of my work and responsibilities, and I am glad to help train my replacement so that nothing is left pending.

I would be grateful if you could confirm my final pay, including any holiday I have accrued but not taken, and send my P45 after my last working day.

I am sincerely thankful for the opportunities I have had at Northwind Ltd, and for the support of my colleagues and leadership during my time here.

Please let me know if you need anything further from me to complete the formalities.

Yours sincerely,
Oliver Hughes
Senior Analyst

More examples

Example resignation letter UK: email to your manager (one month's notice)

Subject: Resignation: [Your full name]

Dear [Manager's first name],

Further to our conversation today, I am writing to resign from my role as [Job title]. In line with my contract I am giving one month's notice, so my last working day will be [Last working day].

I will make sure my work is handed over before I leave. Could you confirm my final pay, my accrued holiday and when I should expect my P45?

Kind regards,
[Your full name]

Resignation letter template UK: during probation (one week's notice)

[Date]

Dear [Manager's name],

I am writing to resign from my position as [Job title]. My contract gives one week's notice during probation, so my last working day will be [Last working day].

Thank you for the chance to work here. Please let me know about my final pay and my P45.

Yours sincerely,
[Your full name]

Resigning in the United Kingdom: at a glance

Notice
Your contract sets it, often one month. With nothing agreed, the legal minimum after a month in the job is one week (Employment Rights Act 1996, s86).
In writing?
Your contract may require it, and email usually counts. Keep a copy with the date you sent it.
Final pay
Normally on your usual payday, including holiday you have built up but not taken.
Garden leave or PILON
Only if your contract allows it: you are paid through your notice without working, or paid in lieu of it.
Documents
Your P45 after you leave; your new employer needs it for your tax code.
The law
Employment Rights Act 1996, Working Time Regulations 1998 (holiday), and your contract. ACAS publishes free guidance.

Your notice period in the UK

Your contract sets it, often one month, or more for senior roles. If your contract says nothing, the legal minimum after a month in the job is one week.

Final pay, holiday and your P45 in the UK

Holiday you have built up but not taken is normally paid in your final pay. Your employer sends your P45 after you leave; your new employer needs it for your tax code.

Leaving earlier

You can ask to leave before your notice ends; your employer does not have to agree. Tick the option and the letter offers to agree an earlier date, without assuming it.

Resigning during probation in the UK

Probation contracts often have a shorter notice period, such as one week. The statutory minimum still applies once you have worked there a month. Your contract's probation clause says what yours is.

Sources for the United Kingdom

Checked on 28 September 2026. Laws change, and your contract, award or company policy can give you more than the minimum, so check it too. This page is general information, not legal advice.

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Should it say Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully?

Yours sincerely when you write to someone by name, Yours faithfully when the letter opens "Dear Sir or Madam". The form picks the right one.

Can my employer put me on garden leave?

If your contract allows it. You stay employed and paid through your notice but don't work. Check your contract.

Do I need to give a reason?

No. A neutral line, or none, is best for a letter that stays on your file.

When does my notice period start in the UK?

Generally from the day after you give notice, unless your contract says otherwise. Hand it in or email it, and keep the date.

What is pay in lieu of notice (PILON)?

A payment your employer makes instead of having you work your notice. They can only do it if your contract allows or you agree.

How to write a resignation letter UK style?

Address your manager, say you are resigning, give the notice your contract sets and your last working day, ask about your final pay, untaken holiday and your P45, and sign off Yours sincerely. The generator above writes it in that order.

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