UK Resignation Letter

What is a resignation letter?

A resignation letter is a formal written notice that tells your employer you are leaving your job. It states your intent to resign, your final day of employment, and the notice period you are giving.

It creates a clear, professional record of your departure and helps keep the relationship on good terms, whether you plan to use your employer as a reference or simply want a smooth exit.

When do you need one?

A resignation letter is useful any time you are leaving a job on your own terms. Common cases include:

• Accepting a new job offer and giving standard notice
• Retiring after years with the same employer
• Leaving to return to school or change careers
• Stepping away for personal or family reasons
• Formally documenting your last day for HR records

Types of resignation letters

The right tone and content depend on your situation. We adapt the letter based on the type you select, including:

• Two weeks notice: the standard, most common resignation letter
• Immediate resignation: leaving with little or no notice period
• Retirement letter: announcing retirement after long service
• Career change letter: leaving to pursue a different path
• Email resignation: a shorter version formatted for sending by email

What to include

A complete resignation letter leaves no room for confusion about your plans. Make sure yours covers:

• Today's date and your manager's name and title
• A clear statement that you are resigning
• Your current job title and the company name
• Your last day of employment
• The length of notice you are giving
• A brief thank you and an offer to help with the transition
• Your signature and printed name

How much notice should you give?

Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, employees in England and Wales must give at least one week's notice once they have worked for a month, though many contracts require longer.

Check your employment contract first: professional and senior roles often specify one month or more, and your letter is worded to match the notice you choose to give.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being vague about your exact last day of employment
• Adding negative comments about the company or coworkers
• Forgetting to check your contract's required notice period
• Not offering to help train a replacement or hand off work
• Sending the letter to the wrong person or skipping HR entirely