Resignation letter template, written for you
Answer a few questions and get a clear, professional UK resignation letter. It works out your last working day from your notice period. Free, with nothing to sign up for.
Popular versions: Simple resignation letter, Teacher resignation letter, NHS resignation letter, Resignation with immediate effect.
How much notice do you need to give?
Your contract decides. Most say one week, one month or, for senior roles, three months.
If your contract says nothing, the legal minimum in the UK is one week, once you have worked for your employer for at least a month.
Notice usually runs from the day after you hand in your letter. If you post it, notice generally counts once it has reached your employer and they have had a reasonable chance to read it.
Resignation letter examples
Standard resignation letter
Professional and complete. Suits almost any job.
12 October 2026
Dear Sarah,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Operations Coordinator at Northbank Services. I am giving one month's notice, in line with my contract, so my last working day will be 12 November 2026.
Before I leave, I will do everything I can to make the handover smooth, including documenting my work and helping to train whoever takes over my responsibilities.
Thank you for the opportunities I have had during my time at Northbank Services. I have valued the experience and the support I have received.
I wish you and the team every success in the future.
Yours sincerely,
Alex Morgan
Short resignation letter
Just the facts: your notice and your last day.
12 October 2026
Dear Sarah,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Operations Coordinator at Northbank Services. I am giving one month's notice, in line with my contract, so my last working day will be 12 November 2026.
Yours sincerely,
Alex Morgan
Resignation for a new job
Says why, thanks your manager and offers a handover.
12 October 2026
Dear Sarah,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Operations Coordinator at Northbank Services. I am giving one month's notice, in line with my contract, so my last working day will be 12 November 2026.
I have accepted a new role, and this was not an easy decision to make.
Before I leave, I will do everything I can to make the handover smooth, including documenting my work and helping to train whoever takes over my responsibilities.
I want to thank you for your support during my time at Northbank Services. I have learned a great deal, and I am grateful for the opportunities and the people I have worked with.
I would very much like to stay in touch, and I wish you and the team every success in the future.
Yours sincerely,
Alex Morgan
Resignation for a career change
For leaving to retrain or move into a new field.
12 October 2026
Dear Sarah,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Operations Coordinator at Northbank Services. I am giving four weeks' notice, in line with my contract, so my last working day will be 9 November 2026.
I have decided to move into a new career, and this was not an easy decision to make.
Before I leave, I will do everything I can to make the handover smooth, including documenting my work and helping to train whoever takes over my responsibilities.
Thank you for the opportunities I have had during my time at Northbank Services. I have valued the experience and the support I have received.
I wish you and the team every success in the future.
Yours sincerely,
Alex Morgan
Resignation for relocation
Moving away, with a question about holiday pay.
12 October 2026
Dear Sarah,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Operations Coordinator at Northbank Services. I am giving two weeks' notice, in line with my contract, so my last working day will be 26 October 2026.
I am relocating, which means I am no longer able to continue in this role.
Before I leave, I will do everything I can to make the handover smooth, including documenting my work and helping to train whoever takes over my responsibilities.
Please could you confirm how any holiday I have accrued but not taken will be handled, whether taken before I leave or paid in my final salary.
Thank you for the opportunities I have had during my time at Northbank Services. I have valued the experience and the support I have received.
I wish you and the team every success in the future.
Yours sincerely,
Alex Morgan
Retirement letter
A warm letter announcing your retirement.
12 October 2026
Dear Sarah,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Operations Coordinator at Northbank Services. I am giving three months' notice, in line with my contract, so my last working day will be 12 January 2027.
After much thought, I have decided that the time is right for me to retire.
Before I leave, I will do everything I can to make the handover smooth, including documenting my work and helping to train whoever takes over my responsibilities.
I want to thank you for your support during my time at Northbank Services. I have learned a great deal, and I am grateful for the opportunities and the people I have worked with.
I would very much like to stay in touch, and I wish you and the team every success in the future.
Yours sincerely,
Alex Morgan
Teachers: resignation dates
Most teachers in England and Wales are on Burgundy Book terms. To leave at the end of December, resign by 31 October. To leave at the end of April, resign by the last day of February. To leave at the end of August, resign by 31 May. Headteachers need longer notice; check your contract.
Questions people ask
How much notice do I have to give in the UK?
Whatever your contract says. If your contract says nothing, the legal minimum is one week once you have worked for your employer for a month or more. Many contracts ask for one month, and senior roles often three. Notice usually runs from the day after you hand in your letter.
What is a notice letter?
A notice letter is the letter you give your employer to resign, which starts your notice period. It is the same as a resignation letter: it should say you are resigning, the date it is written, your notice period and your last working day. Keep a copy, and ask your employer to confirm in writing that they have received it.
How do I write a retirement letter?
A retirement letter is a resignation letter that explains you are retiring. Give the notice your contract requires, state your last working day, and add anything you want to say about your time there or helping with a handover. Ask about your pension and any holiday pay due so nothing is missed. There is a retirement example on this page you can adapt.
Do I have to give a reason for resigning?
No. A resignation letter only needs to say that you are resigning, your notice and your last working day. Giving a reason is optional, and many people prefer to keep it to a conversation.
Can I resign by email?
Usually, yes, unless your contract says notice must be given in a particular way, such as a signed letter. Check your contract. If you post your letter, notice generally takes effect once it has reached your employer and they have had a reasonable chance to read it, so a signed-for service gives you a record of when it arrived and who signed. Sending a copy by email as well helps.
Can I take back my resignation?
Only if your employer agrees. Once notice has been given clearly, your employer does not have to accept a change of mind, so be sure before you send it.
Will I be paid for holiday I haven't taken?
You are entitled to be paid for statutory holiday you have built up but not taken when you leave. Your employer can also ask you to take some of it during your notice period. Asking in your letter how it will be handled avoids surprises.
Can I leave before my notice period ends?
You can ask. Many employers agree an earlier date, especially once a handover is done. Leaving early without agreement can be a breach of contract, so agree the date in writing and put it in your letter as your agreed last day.
Should I resign before I have a new job offer in writing?
It is safer to wait until you have a written offer and any conditions, such as references or checks, have been met. Then hand in your notice.