Notice period calculator (UK)
Enter your start date and the date notice is given. The calculator works out the legal minimum, compares it with your contract and shows the date your notice ends.
Statutory minimum notice in the UK
Section 86 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 sets the minimum notice. A contract can give more notice but never less.
| Length of service | Employer must give | Employee must give |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 month | No statutory minimum | No statutory minimum |
| 1 month to under 2 years | 1 week | 1 week |
| 2 to 12 years | 1 week per full year | 1 week |
| 12 years or more | 12 weeks | 1 week |
Worked examples
Resigning with one month's contractual notice
You started on 1 June 2025 and hand in your notice on 13 October 2026. The legal minimum is one week, ending on 20 October. Your contract says one month, so your notice ends on 13 November 2026.
Employer giving notice after three years
You started on 10 January 2023 and your employer gives notice on 13 October 2026. You have three full years of service, so the statutory minimum is three weeks, ending on 3 November 2026. If your contract says one month, the later date of 13 November applies.
Notice and the new unfair dismissal rules
From 1 January 2027 employees can claim unfair dismissal after six months' service. If your employer dismisses you without the statutory notice, that notice can be added when counting your service. Use the qualifying period checker to see whether this affects you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my notice period in the UK?
Find the statutory minimum from your length of service, then check your contract. Whichever gives the later end date applies when your employer gives notice. Notice normally starts the day after it is given, so one week's notice given on a Monday ends the following Monday.
How much notice do I have to give if I resign?
By law, one week once you have worked for one month. Your contract can ask for more, often one month or longer, and you should normally give whatever your contract says.
How much notice must my employer give me?
At least one week if you have worked between one month and two years, then one week for each full year of service, up to a maximum of 12 weeks. Your contract can give you more but never less.
Do I have to give notice during my probation period?
If you have worked for at least one month, the statutory one week still applies. Many contracts set a shorter notice period during probation, such as one week, but they cannot set less than the legal minimum once you pass one month.
How is a one month notice period calculated?
It runs to the same date in the following month. Notice given on 13 October ends on 13 November. If there is no matching date, for example notice given on 31 January, it ends on the last day of the next month.
What is payment in lieu of notice (PILON)?
Your employer can end your job straight away and pay you for the notice period instead, if your contract allows it or you agree. For unfair dismissal purposes, the statutory notice period can still be added to your service.
Does notice period include weekends and holidays?
Yes. Notice runs in calendar days, weeks or months, not working days, unless your contract says otherwise.
How much notice for redundancy?
The same statutory minimum applies: one week per full year of service, from one week up to 12 weeks, or your contractual notice if longer. Statutory redundancy pay is separate from notice pay.
Sources
This calculator gives general guidance based on the Employment Rights Act 1996 as amended by the Employment Rights Act 2025. It does not cover every situation and is not legal advice. For your own case, speak to Acas, a trade union, Citizens Advice or an employment solicitor. Time limits for tribunal claims are short, so act quickly.