Advice on managing your notice period when changing jobs

If you’ve been in your job for less than a month, you won’t have to give any notice period (unless your contract says otherwise). If it’s more than a month, one week’s notice is required. Your contract should specify exactly how long is expected.

If you don’t have a contract, and your employer has no written record of you agreeing to a notice period, you should give at least one week’s notice.

It’s worth waiting until your new employer has confirmed your employment, for example by giving you a start date, before handing in your resignation. It’s then best to resign in writing (email is fine), so that you have a record of the date you told your employer. On the Citizens Advice website there is information on handing in your notice with tips on writing this letter.

It may be possible to negotiate a shorter notice period than your contract says. If you want to do this, it can be useful to reassure your current employer that you will tackle any urgent work before finishing.

Fixed-term contracts are a bit different. You won’t need to give notice if you intend to leave on the last day of contract. Leaving early would usually mean giving at least one week’s notice, unless your contract says otherwise.

If you have unused paid holiday speak to your employer about either taking these during the notice period or being paid for them.

Finally, sometimes people change their mind about moving jobs or find their circumstances alter. If this happens, speak to your current employer to see what the options are and if you can stay in your current role.

If you face any challenges with an existing or potential employer, contact Citizens Advice Watford on 0800 144 8848 or visit our website pages about what to do when you’re leaving a job.