Your Notice Period
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Notice Period Calculator
Work out your statutory minimum notice period, compare it against your contract, see the cash value, and find out exactly when your employment ends. Covers both being dismissed and resigning.
📅 2026–27 — Employment Rights Act 1996
Statutory max: 12 weeks
PILON weekly pay cap: £751
See all statutory rates →
Your employer is dismissing you or making you redundant.
The date you started with this employer
The date notice was or will be given — defaults to today
£
Gross pay before tax — used to value your notice period
We'll tell you whether statute or your contract applies
Your weekly pay exceeds the £751 statutory cap — shown in the PILON breakdown below.
PAIRED GUIDE
Notice Period Rights for UK Employees
Understand statutory vs contractual notice, what happens if your employer dismisses you without notice, and your rights during the notice period.
Read the Guide →Statutory Notice Periods at a Glance
These are the legal minimums under the Employment Rights Act 1996. Your contract may give you more — if so, the longer period applies.
| Continuous service | Employer must give you | You must give employer |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1 month | None (statutory) | None (statutory) |
| 1 month to 2 years | 1 week | 1 week |
| 2 years | 2 weeks | 1 week |
| 3 years | 3 weeks | 1 week |
| 5 years | 5 weeks | 1 week |
| 10 years | 10 weeks | 1 week |
| 12+ years | 12 weeks (maximum) | 1 week |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice must my employer give me?
At least 1 week if you've worked between 1 month and 2 years. After that, 1 week per complete year of service up to a maximum of 12 weeks. If your contract gives more than the statutory minimum, your employer must honour the contract.
What is pay in lieu of notice?
PILON is a lump sum payment your employer makes instead of you working your notice period. It ends your employment immediately. PILON is always fully taxable as earnings — Income Tax and National Insurance are deducted at source. This changed in April 2018 and now applies to everyone regardless of contract wording.
Can my employer dismiss me without any notice?
Only in cases of gross misconduct — for example theft, violence, or a fundamental breach of your employment contract. In all other circumstances they must give you your full notice or pay you in lieu. Dismissing someone without notice for anything other than gross misconduct is wrongful dismissal.
What notice do I need to give when I resign?
The statutory minimum is always 1 week, regardless of how long you have worked there. Your contract may require more — always check before handing in your notice. Leaving without giving proper notice can expose you to a claim from your employer for breach of contract.
What are my rights during my notice period?
During your statutory notice period you are entitled to your full normal pay even if you are off sick, on holiday, or on other leave. You continue to accrue holiday entitlement. Your employer cannot reduce your pay during the statutory notice period.
What if my employer doesn't give me proper notice?
Dismissal without proper notice or PILON is wrongful dismissal — a breach of contract. You can claim the value of your notice period through an employment tribunal or civil court. See the Wrongful Dismissal guide for next steps.