Resign from your job: give notice

Check your notice period

A notice period is the amount of time an employee has to give their company before leaving a job. The length of your work notice period depends on your job and the contract you are on.

Check the details of your employment contract to find out how much notice you need to give.

Hand in your notice

Once you’ve accepted a new offer of employment or want to resign from your job, you should inform your manager as soon as possible by handing in your notice.

If you're moving to a new employer, we recommend that you wait until you've received your formal offer of employment from them. 

In your resignation email or letter you should include:

• how much notice you need to give
• the date you want your notice period to start from
• when you would like your last working day to be
• details of any planned leave you have during your notice period
• any questions you have for your manager about your leaving arrangements

Arrange a handover with your manager

If you have any outstanding work, you should meet with your manager to create a handover plan.

Check your pension fund details

If you are a member of a pension scheme, see the relevant website below for more details on what you need to do:

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Teacher’s Pension Scheme
• NHS Pension Scheme

If you’re over 55

Your manager may need to complete an EPF1a form and return it to the Essex Pension Fund. See the pensions page to find out more.

Speak to your manager about giving a reference

Before an employer makes a formal offer, they will usually ask for an employment reference. See the employment and financial references page to find out more.