Notice Period Calculator
Calculate your exact last working day based on your resignation date and contractual notice period. Includes UK bank holidays and optional garden leave calculations.
The date you hand in your resignation
As stated in your employment contract
Notice Period Summary
Calculations based on England & Wales bank holidays. Check your contract for specific terms.
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Try it freeUnderstanding notice periods
How Notice Periods Work in the UK
When you resign from your job in the UK, you're typically required to work a notice period before you can leave. This calculator helps you determine your exact last working day.
- Statutory minimum - If you've worked for your employer for one month or more, you must give at least one week's notice
- Contractual notice - Your employment contract may require a longer notice period (commonly 1-3 months for professional roles)
- Bank holidays - These count towards your notice period but reduce your actual working days
- Garden leave - Some employers may ask you to stay home during notice while remaining employed
Planning your transition
Important Things to Consider
Timing Your Resignation
Consider when you want to start your new role and work backwards. If you have a specific start date in mind, use this calculator to determine when you need to hand in your resignation. Remember that your new employer may be flexible on start dates.
Holiday Entitlement
You accrue holiday throughout the year. When you leave, you're entitled to payment for any accrued but untaken holiday. Conversely, if you've taken more holiday than you've accrued, your employer may deduct this from your final pay.
Garden Leave
Garden leave means you remain employed (and paid) but don't come into work. Employers use this to prevent you from working for competitors or taking clients during your notice period. You're still bound by your employment contract during this time.
Negotiating Early Release
If you need to start your new role sooner, you can ask your current employer to waive some or all of your notice period. This is often possible if there's a smooth handover plan and they don't have urgent work requiring your skills.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the statutory notice period in the UK?
- The statutory minimum notice period is one week if you've been employed for at least one month. However, your employment contract may specify a longer notice period, which takes precedence. Many professional roles require 1-3 months' notice.
- Do bank holidays count as part of my notice period?
- Yes, bank holidays count as calendar days during your notice period. However, they don't count as working days, so you won't be expected to work on these days. Our calculator automatically accounts for UK bank holidays.
- What is garden leave?
- Garden leave is when your employer asks you not to come to work during your notice period, but you remain employed and receive your normal pay. It's often used when employers want to prevent you from having access to sensitive information or clients before you leave.
- Can I take holiday during my notice period?
- Yes, you can request holiday during your notice period, but your employer can refuse if business needs require you to work. Any accrued but untaken holiday will be paid out in your final pay packet.
- What happens if I leave without serving my full notice?
- Leaving without proper notice is a breach of contract. Your employer could technically sue for damages, though this is rare. More commonly, they may withhold holiday pay or give a less favourable reference. Always try to negotiate if you need to leave early.
- How do I calculate my accrued holiday?
- Holiday accrues throughout the year. For example, if you have 25 days annual leave and leave halfway through the holiday year, you'd have accrued 12.5 days. Our calculator can estimate this for you based on your holiday year start date.