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Contracts and leaving a job

Notice periods when leaving healthcare work

How much notice you owe, how much your employer owes you, and how to agree a different leaving date.

By , Editor Updated How we check sources

Where this applies

The minimum notice rules below come from the Employment Rights Act 1996, which covers England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland has the same minimum periods under Article 118 of the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (opens another website). Tribunal rules and advice services differ there, so use the Labour Relations Agency (opens another website) for Northern Ireland questions.

Short answer

If you are an employee with more than one month's service, you must give at least one week's notice, unless your contract asks for more. Your employer must give you at least one week's notice after one month, rising by one week for each complete year of service up to a maximum of 12 weeks.

Your contract can set longer notice than these minimums but never shorter. A senior pharmacist, doctor or nurse often has a contractual notice period of several weeks or months, and the contract figure is the one you must follow.

Key facts

Notice you give
At least one week after one month's continuous employment, or the longer period in your contract.
Notice your employer gives
One week after one month. From two years, one week per complete year. Capped at 12 weeks after 12 years.
When notice starts
Usually the day after you hand in your notice (GOV.UK).
Pay in lieu
Only if your contract allows payment in lieu or you agree to the payment.
Tribunal deadline
Six months less one day for most problems on or after 1 October 2026, three months less one day for earlier problems. Scottish breach of contract claims move to six months only for breaches on or after 9 November 2026.

Statutory minimum notice

Section 86 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 sets the floor for employees. The employer's minimum depends on your length of continuous service:

  • one month to under two years: at least one week
  • two years to under 12 years: one week for each complete year
  • 12 years or more: at least 12 weeks

The employee's minimum stays at one week, no matter how long you have worked. These statutory rights belong to employees. People with worker status, such as many bank staff, and self-employed locums, rely on whatever notice their agreement sets. Our employment status guide explains the difference.

Contractual notice comes first

Your contract or written statement of terms sets your actual notice. Many healthcare contracts set one figure for both sides, and some set different periods for the probation stage. If the contract gives a longer period than the statute, the longer period applies. If the contract gives less, the statutory minimum applies instead.

Check the contract for the form of notice too. GOV.UK says the contract tells you if notice must be in writing. Otherwise you can give notice verbally, though a dated letter or email gives you a clear record.

Pay, holiday and benefits during notice

You usually receive your normal pay during your notice period. GOV.UK says you are entitled to bonuses and commission during notice unless your contract states otherwise.

Your employer can end your employment straight away with a payment in lieu of notice only if your contract allows the payment or you agree. Without either, you can choose to work your notice. Your employer can also tell you to stay away from work while paying you as normal. Our garden leave guide covers this.

When you leave, you should be paid for any statutory holiday you have built up and not taken. Check your final payslip against your holiday record. Repayment demands for courses are a separate issue, covered in our guide to training repayment clauses.

Leaving before your notice ends

Healthcare offers often come with a fixed start date. If your notice runs past the start date, ask your current employer to agree an earlier leaving date. Many managers agree once a handover plan is in place. Get any agreement in writing, with the new last working day.

Leaving early without agreement puts you in breach of contract. GOV.UK warns your employer may take you to court. Any claim would usually be for a loss the employer can prove, such as the extra cost of locum or agency cover. Speak to an adviser before you walk away from a long notice period.

Clinical handover

Notice is a contract question. Handover is a professional one. Your regulator expects patient care to continue safely after you go. Before your last shift, list outstanding results, referrals, prescriptions awaiting review and patients who need follow-up. Pass the list to a named colleague, not a shared inbox.

Steps to take when you resign

  1. Read the notice clause in your contract and any later variation letter.
  2. Count your complete years of service and work out your statutory minimum.
  3. Write a short resignation letter with the date of the letter and your proposed last day.
  4. If you need an earlier date, propose the date in the same letter with a handover plan.
  5. Ask for written confirmation of your last day, your final pay date, holiday pay and when you will receive your P45.
  6. Return equipment, smartcards and keys, and keep a receipt.

Questions to ask an adviser

  • Which notice period applies to me, the statutory one or the contractual one?
  • Can my employer refuse an earlier leaving date?
  • What is my risk if I leave before my notice ends?
  • Has my employer paid me correctly for notice and untaken holiday?
  • Does a restrictive covenant start when my notice ends?

Where to get advice

  • Acas helpline: call 0300 123 1100 for free advice on notice and final pay. See our Acas guide.
  • Labour Relations Agency: for Northern Ireland, call 03300 555 300.
  • Your union or professional body: the PDA, the BMA or the RCN, if you are a member.
  • Citizens Advice: free help with unpaid final pay. See Citizens Advice for work problems.
  • An employment solicitor: if your employer threatens legal action over notice.

If a claim might be needed, read our guide to tribunal deadlines early.

Common questions

What is the minimum notice period in the UK?

An employee with one month's service must give at least one week. An employer must give at least one week, then one week per complete year of service from two years, up to 12 weeks. A contract can set longer periods.

Can I leave before my notice period ends?

Only by agreement with your employer. Leaving early without agreement is a breach of contract, and your employer may claim for any loss the early exit caused.

Do I get paid during my notice period?

Yes. You usually receive your normal pay, and bonuses and commission unless your contract states otherwise.

Can my employer pay me instead of letting me work my notice?

Only if your contract includes a payment in lieu of notice clause or you agree to the payment.

Does my notice period start on the day I resign?

GOV.UK says notice usually starts the day after you hand in your notice. Check your contract for any different rule.