UK

I've been made redundant. What notice period am I entitled to?

1 week
Min. notice for 1–2 yrs
12 weeks
Max. statutory notice
2 yrs+
Eligibility threshold
Continuous serv
Basis for calculation
The Short Answer

Your statutory redundancy notice period depends on your length of continuous service: at least one week for each full year of service, up to a maximum of 12 weeks.

What the Law Says

The Employment Rights Act 1996 sets the minimum statutory notice period you must receive if made redundant — and it increases with your length of continuous employment.

You are entitled to statutory notice only if you have at least two years’ continuous service with your employer.

The notice period is calculated as one week for each full year of continuous service, starting from the first day of employment. This applies to employees aged 18 or over who have worked continuously for at least two years.

The minimum is one week’s notice (for 2–3 years’ service), rising by one additional week per year up to a legal maximum of 12 weeks’ notice (for 12 or more years’ service).

Statutory Text

An employee who has been continuously employed for a period of at least two years is entitled to be given by his employer such period of notice as is prescribed by this section.

Employment Rights Act 1996, s. 86 — Right to minimum period of notice

What to Do

1

Check your employment contract — it may offer more than the statutory minimum.

2

Confirm your exact start date and any breaks in service that might affect continuity.

3

If your employer gives less notice than required, ask for written confirmation and consider raising a grievance.

4

If unresolved, you may make a claim to an employment tribunal within three months of the effective date of termination.

Sources

Same Question, Other Jurisdictions

Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.