What notice period am I entitled to on termination?

What the Law Says

The Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 sets the minimum statutory notice periods an employer must give an employee before terminating their employment — unless a longer period is agreed in the contract or required by collective agreement.

The notice period you’re entitled to depends entirely on how long you’ve been in continuous employment with your employer. These minimum periods are mandatory — your employer cannot give less, even if your contract says otherwise.

Notice entitlement starts after you’ve completed at least 13 weeks of continuous service. The longer you’ve worked, the more notice you’re legally entitled to — up to a maximum of 8 weeks.

These statutory minimums apply regardless of your role, pay, or industry, and they operate alongside (but do not replace) any greater rights you may have under your written contract of employment.

Statutory Text

An employee who has been continuously employed for thirteen weeks or more shall be entitled to such period of notice as is prescribed by this section.

— Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, s. 6 — Notice of dismissal

Statutory Text

Where an employee has been continuously employed for— (a) thirteen weeks but less than two years, one week; (b) two years but less than five years, two weeks; (c) five years but less than ten years, four weeks; (d) ten years but less than fifteen years, six weeks; (e) fifteen years or more, eight weeks.

— Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, s. 6 — Notice of dismissal

What to Do

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