Notice Period Calculator

Statutory notice periods in the UK are based on length of continuous service. Employees who have worked for at least one month but less than two years are entitled to one week's notice. After two years, entitlement increases by one week for each complete year of service, up to a maximum of 12 weeks' notice after 12 or more years.

Your contract may specify a longer notice period than the statutory minimum — the longer period always applies. Many professional roles specify one to three months' contractual notice. During the notice period, employees retain all normal employment rights including pay, holiday accrual and benefits.

This calculator determines both the statutory and contractual notice period based on your length of service and contract terms. It also calculates your pay during the notice period and shows the earliest date employment can end. Payment in lieu of notice (PILON) is also covered where your contract allows it.

UK statutory notice periods. Employer to employee: 1 week if 1 month-2 years service; 1 week per year (max 12) if 2+ years service. Employee to employer: 1 week minimum after 1 month service, regardless of length of service. Contracts can require longer notice (common: 1 month for junior, 3 months for senior, 6-12 months for executives). Always check your contract — contractual notice usually exceeds statutory.

Garden leave and PILON. Garden leave: paid leave for some/all of notice period — keeps you out of competitive activity. Restrictive covenants typically last 3-12 months post-employment. PILON (Payment In Lieu of Notice): employer pays salary equivalent instead of working notice. Since April 2018, ALL PILON is taxable (income tax + NI) regardless of how the contract describes it. Different from redundancy pay's £30k tax-free.

Constructive dismissal and notice. If your employer fundamentally breaches your contract (unpaid wages, demotion, harassment), you can resign and claim constructive dismissal — entitled to notice pay and possibly unfair dismissal compensation. Must resign quickly (don't wait months) and follow grievance procedure first. Tribunal claim within 3 months of resignation.

Probation period and notice. Most UK contracts include 3-6 month probation. During probation: notice typically 1 week each way (sometimes reduced to 1 day in first month). After probation, normal contractual notice applies. Failing probation: still entitled to statutory minimum notice (1 week after 1 month service). Discrimination protections apply from day 1 — protected characteristics dismissals always unlawful.