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FAQs about Handing in Your Notice
How should I resign – in person, by letter, or email?
The most professional and widely accepted method in the UK is to combine a personal conversation with a formal written follow-up. First, schedule a private meeting with your direct manager to inform them of your decision verbally as a matter of respect. Immediately following this conversation, you should send a formal resignation email or hand them a printed letter. This written document serves as the official, dated record of your resignation, which is crucial for both you and your employer for HR and legal purposes. Always check your employment contract, as some may specifically require notice to be given in writing.
What must I include in my resignation letter?
Your resignation letter should be clear, professional, and concise. It only needs to contain four key elements: a clear statement of your intention to resign, your specific job title, the date of the letter, and the date your resignation will be effective from (i.e., your last day of employment, calculated according to your notice period). While not mandatory, it is good practice to include a brief, polite line thanking your employer for the opportunity. You do not need to state your reasons for leaving in the letter; keeping it simple and professional is always the best approach.
How much notice do I legally have to give in the UK?
Your primary guide is your employment contract, which will specify your required contractual notice period. This is the period you are legally obligated to work. If your contract doesn’t mention a notice period, the statutory minimum notice period in the UK is one week if you have been employed for one month or more. However, the period stated in your contract almost always supersedes the statutory minimum and is the one you must adhere to. Failing to work your contractual notice can be considered a breach of contract.
What should I say when I speak to my manager about resigning?
When you have the conversation with your manager, aim to be calm, direct, and appreciative. State your decision clearly and confidently, for example, “I’m here to let you know that I have decided to resign from my position.” You can briefly mention that you have accepted a new opportunity or are leaving for personal reasons, but you are not obligated to go into extensive detail. It is crucial to express gratitude for the experience and opportunities you’ve had with the company. Be prepared for them to ask why you are leaving, but keep your reasons constructive and forward-looking, avoiding any criticism of the company or colleagues to ensure you maintain a positive relationship.
What should I do if my employer makes a counter-offer?
If you are presented with a counter-offer, it is vital to approach it with caution and reflect on your original motivations for leaving. While a higher salary may be tempting, remember that the underlying reasons for your decision—such as a lack of progression, poor company culture, or a difficult work-life balance—are unlikely to change. Accepting a counter-offer can sometimes lead to a breakdown in trust with your employer, who may now question your loyalty and potentially exclude you from future opportunities or place you first on the list for any future redundancies. Thank them for the offer, but be firm if you have already committed to your decision.
How should I behave during my notice period?
Your conduct during your notice period is your final impression on the company and is critical for securing a positive reference. You should continue to act with the same level of professionalism, commitment, and diligence as you did throughout your employment. Focus on creating a comprehensive handover plan, documenting your key responsibilities and processes, and actively training your replacement or colleagues who will be covering your duties. Proactively finishing outstanding projects and offering support will demonstrate your integrity and ensure you leave on the best possible terms with both management and your team.
Should I be honest in my exit interview?
Yes, you should be honest in your exit interview, but with a focus on being constructive and diplomatic. This is your opportunity to provide valuable feedback that could genuinely help the company improve, which can be beneficial for the colleagues you are leaving behind. Frame your points around processes, systems, or company-wide issues rather than making personal complaints about specific individuals. For example, instead of criticising a manager, you could suggest improvements to management training or communication styles. A balanced, thoughtful approach will be viewed as professional and helpful, reinforcing your positive legacy.
What happens with my final pay and unused holidays?
Your final salary payment will be made on your usual payday after your employment ends and will include payment for all the work you have completed up to your last day. In the UK, you are legally entitled to be paid for any statutory holiday entitlement you have accrued but not taken during the holiday year. This will typically be calculated on a pro-rata basis and added to your final pay packet. Be sure to check your contract for any specific company rules regarding additional contractual holiday days, as policies can vary between organisations.
Can my employer make me leave immediately after I resign?
Yes, an employer can ask you not to work your notice period. This is typically handled in one of two ways. They may place you on “gardening leave,” where you remain an employee and receive full pay and benefits but are asked to stay at home and not perform any work. Alternatively, your contract may contain a “payment in lieu of notice” (PILON) clause, which allows your employer to terminate your employment immediately and pay you a lump sum equivalent to what you would have earned during your notice period. Both actions are legal if stipulated in your contract and are often used to protect the company’s interests, particularly if you are leaving to join a competitor.
Can I withdraw my resignation after handing it in?
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