WORKPLACE ANSWER
How do I resign from my job?
Understand how to resign properly, what notice you may need to give, what happens during your notice period and what to check before you leave.
Quick Answer
To resign, you need to clearly tell your employer that you are ending your employment. Check your employment contract first to see how much notice you need to give and whether your resignation must be in writing.
Your resignation should normally state that you are resigning and your intended last working day. Your employer should then confirm your leaving arrangements, including your notice period, final pay and any outstanding holiday.
Before You Resign: Check Your Notice Period
Before you resign, check your employment contract or written terms so you understand:
• how much notice you are required to give
• whether your resignation must be in writing
• who you should give or send your resignation to; and
• whether there are any other contractual requirements relating to resignation.
Contractual and statutory notice requirements can both be relevant, so do not assume your preferred leaving date will automatically be your contractual final day. Try to work out your likely final employment date before you submit your resignation.
Can My Employer Refuse My Resignation?
An employer cannot normally force you to remain employed simply because they do not want to accept your resignation. However, resigning does not automatically remove your contractual obligations. You may still need to give the required notice, continue working during notice unless another arrangement is agreed, comply with relevant contractual obligations while employed, and return company property when required.
What Happens During My Notice Period?
In many cases you will continue working and being paid normally until your employment ends. Depending on your contract and circumstances, different arrangements might apply, including working your normal notice period, an agreed earlier leaving date, garden leave, payment in lieu of notice where applicable, or taking some holiday during your notice period where this is agreed or properly arranged. Ask your employer to confirm any different notice arrangement and your final employment date.
Can I Leave Without Working My Full Notice?
If you want to leave earlier than your contractual notice allows, you can ask your employer to agree a shorter notice period or earlier leaving date. If agreement is reached, try to get the revised final employment date confirmed in writing. Simply leaving before the required notice has been completed, without agreement or another valid basis, can amount to a breach of your employment contract and may have practical consequences, but it does not mean you are prevented from physically leaving the job.
Things To Think About
Before you resign, it can help to think about the practical steps and information you will need.
- • How much notice does my contract require?
• Does my resignation need to be in writing?
• What will my intended final working day be?
• Do I have unused holiday?
• Do I have bonus, commission, expenses or other payments due?
• Do I need to return equipment or other company property?
• Are there contractual restrictions that continue after I leave?
• Do I need to arrange a handover?
What Usually Happens Next
After you resign, most employers will follow a similar sequence: resignation given → employer confirms receipt → notice period and final employment date are confirmed → you work your notice or another arrangement is agreed → handover and return of company property take place where required → final salary and holiday are calculated → employment ends → final employment documentation is provided as applicable. The exact process varies between employers, so ask for clarification if your notice period, final day, holiday or final pay are unclear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to resign in writing?
This can depend on your employment contract or written terms. Even where written resignation is not specifically required, confirming your resignation in writing is usually useful because it creates a clear record of what was communicated and when.
Can I resign by email?
Resignation can often be communicated by email, but you should check your contract for any specific requirements and make sure it is sent to the appropriate person.
Can my employer refuse my resignation?
An employer cannot normally force you to remain employed simply because they do not want to accept your resignation. However, contractual notice and other employment obligations can still apply.
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Related Template
A simple template to help you confirm your resignation clearly and professionally.
Important: WorkAnswers provides general workplace information and guidance. It is not a substitute for legal advice about your specific situation.
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