Resignation Letter With Notice Period
Leave your job properly. A clear, professional resignation letter with the correct notice period protects your reputation and your reference.
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Your resignation letter is part of your permanent employment record. Getting the notice period right, keeping the tone professional, and leaving on good terms are all important — regardless of why you are leaving or how ready you are to go.
When to use this letter
- You are resigning from a role and need to confirm your notice period and leaving date in writing.
- You have accepted a new position and need to give formal notice to your current employer.
- Your employment contract specifies a particular notice period that you want to state clearly.
- You want a professional written record that is unambiguous about your last working day.
- You are leaving under difficult circumstances and want to keep the letter brief, professional, and factual.
What a resignation letter with notice period looks like
A short sample — your letter will be personalised to your specific details and situation.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Date] [Manager's Name or HR Department] [Company Name] [Company Address] Re: Resignation and Formal Notice Period Dear [Manager's Name], I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. In accordance with my contract of employment, I am giving [number of weeks or months] notice as required. My last working day will therefore be [date]. This was not a decision I took lightly. I have genuinely valued my time at [Company Name] and I am grateful for the opportunities and experience I have gained during my [number of years or months] here. During my notice period, I am fully committed to ensuring a smooth handover of my responsibilities. I am happy to brief a colleague on my current workload, document any ongoing projects, and assist with whatever is most useful to the team. I wish the company continued success and hope to stay in touch with colleagues going forward. Yours sincerely, [Your Name]
Sample only. Your letter is written from the specific facts, dates, and names you provide.
How it works
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Tell us who it's from, who it's to, and the key facts of your situation. Rough notes are fine.
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What makes this letter effective
The more detail you provide, the stronger your letter will be.
Check your contract before writing
Your notice period is set out in your employment contract. Confirm the exact requirement before stating a leaving date in your letter.
Calculate your last day carefully
Count the notice period from the date your employer receives the letter, not the date you write it. State the specific date clearly to avoid any ambiguity.
Offer a smooth handover
Offering to brief colleagues and document your responsibilities is good practice and leaves a lasting positive impression.
Keep the tone warm and professional
Even if you are leaving because of a difficult situation, your letter should remain positive. You may need a reference from this employer in the future.
Common mistakes to avoid
These are the errors that most often weaken an otherwise strong letter.
Calculating the notice period from the wrong date
Your notice period begins on the day your employer receives the letter, not the date you write it. Count from the correct date and confirm your last working day as a specific date.
Stating a vague last working day
Write the specific date rather than saying something like 'in four weeks time'. A specific date removes any ambiguity about when your employment ends.
Including negative comments
Even if you are leaving because of a difficult situation, your resignation letter remains part of your employment record. Keep the tone professional regardless of the circumstances.
Forgetting to offer a handover
Offering to brief colleagues or document your current responsibilities is good practice and leaves a positive final impression with your employer and colleagues.
Related letter guides
Frequently asked questions
Your notice period is almost always stated in your contract of employment. If it is not specified, the statutory minimum under the Employment Rights Act 1996 is one week after one month of continuous employment, rising by one week per year of service up to a maximum of 12 weeks.
Your notice period typically begins the day after your employer receives your resignation letter, not the day you write it. Check your contract for any specific provisions about when notice takes effect.
You are under no obligation to give reasons for resigning. Many people include a brief and positive explanation such as a new opportunity or a career change, but this is entirely optional. Avoid any negative comments — your resignation letter may remain on your employment record.
Leaving before your notice period ends without agreement from your employer could be treated as a breach of contract. It is usually better to discuss an early leaving date with your employer and get any agreement in writing. Your employer may offer payment in lieu of notice instead.
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