When does my notice period start after I resign?
Your employment contract may say when notice starts. If it does not, ACAS says an employee’s notice period generally starts the day after they tell their employer they are resigning. Written notice can raise questions about when the employer had a reasonable opportunity to read it.
Check the contract first
Your contract or written statement may specify the notice period and when it starts. Use that wording as the first reference point.
If the contract is silent
ACAS says that where the contract does not say when notice starts, it starts the day after the employee tells the employer they are resigning.
Written notice
Where notice is communicated only in writing, timing can depend on when the employer has had a reasonable amount of time to read it. This is one reason to make the resignation date and intended last working day clear.
Avoid guessing your final day
Notice periods can interact with contractual wording, holiday and agreed early release. If the final date matters, confirm it with the employer.
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Open Resignation Letter Builder →Official source: ACAS: when the notice period starts. Check current official guidance for your circumstances.