ProfessionalGeneral
Standard Resignation Letter
A professional, all-purpose template for most situations.
Use templateResignation letter templates for the United Kingdom
UK employment law sets a statutory minimum notice of one week after one month of continuous employment. Your contract almost certainly specifies a longer period. Garden leave is common in professional roles. The templates below use general UK-appropriate wording.
United Kingdom — Key facts
- Statutory minimum notice
- 1 week (after 1 month)— Employment Rights Act 1996, s.86. Your contract may require more - the contract governs if it exceeds the statutory minimum.(Source: Employment Rights Act 1996)
- Common notice periods
- 1–3 months— One month is typical for junior roles; three months for senior or professional roles.
- Garden leave
- Contractual— Common in financial services, legal, and senior corporate roles. Governed by your contract.
- PILON (Payment in Lieu)
- Contractual or discretionary— Some contracts include a PILON clause; others make it discretionary. Check your contract before assuming it applies.
- Written resignation
- Good practice— Not always legally required but strongly recommended for your records and to start the notice period clearly.
Notice period — what to check
Your employment contract is the primary source. If it says nothing, the statutory minimum under the Employment Rights Act 1996 applies. The Citizens Advice Bureau and Acas provide free guidance.
Official source →Templates for United Kingdom
These templates use general wording suitable for United Kingdom. Adapt to your specific contract and circumstances.
FormalProfessional
Formal Resignation Letter
Considered wording for formal workplaces and senior roles.
Use templateNotice PeriodFormal
Two Weeks' Notice (Formal)
Formal two-week notice for senior roles and professional settings.
Use templateShort NoticeUrgent
Short Notice Resignation
Leaving sooner than your contract requires.
Use templateEarly ReleaseRequest
Early Release Request
Request to be released from your notice period early.
Use templateNo reasonMinimal
Resignation Without a Reason
You don't need to explain. This template doesn't ask you to.
Use templateGeneral information only. UK employment law is complex and fact-specific. For disputes or constructive dismissal situations, seek advice from Acas or a qualified employment solicitor. Last verified: September 2026.