Notice Period
A notice period is the time between giving notice of termination and the end of employment, with UK statutory minimums of 1 week per year of service (up to 12 weeks).
legal-terms
Category
beginner
Difficulty
5 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
A notice period is the time between giving notice of termination and the end of employment, with UK statutory minimums of 1 week per year of service (up to 12 weeks).
Detailed explanation
A notice period is the advance warning that must be given before employment ends. In the UK, there are statutory minimums and often longer contractual periods.
Statutory minimum notice from employer: 1 week for 1 month to 2 years service, then 1 week per year of service up to 12 weeks. Statutory minimum from employee: 1 week after 1 month service.
Contracts often specify longer notice periods, especially for senior roles. Garden leave or payment in lieu of notice (PILON) may apply.
Practical guidance
How it works
Party gives written notice. Employee works notice period or is placed on garden leave. Or employer pays in lieu if contractual right exists.
Best practices
Specify notice clearly in contracts
Include PILON clause if wanted
Plan for handover during notice
Document notice given and received
Consider restrictive covenants
Legal context
Legal basis
Employment Rights Act 1996 s.86
Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
Key provisions
Statutory notice after 1 month service
Employer: 1 week per year (max 12)
Employee: 1 week minimum
Contracts can specify longer notice
PILON must be contractual or taxed
Garden leave by agreement
Official source
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum notice period in the UK?
From employer: 1 week for 1 month to 2 years service, then 1 week per year up to 12 weeks maximum. From employee: 1 week after 1 month service. Contracts often require more.
Can I be asked to leave immediately?
Only for gross misconduct (summary dismissal) or if employer pays in lieu of notice. Otherwise you must be allowed to work your notice and be paid.