Resignation letter: a short one to copy, and what notice means

• Say you are resigning, how much notice you are giving and your last day. Ask them to confirm they have received it.
• Check your contract first: it says how much notice you must give and whether it must be in writing.
• Do not resign until you are sure, and wait for an unconditional offer from a new employer before you hand in your notice.

[Your name]
[Date]

Dear [manager's name],

I am writing to resign from my role as [job title] at [company]. As my contract requires [or: As I am giving] [length of notice] notice, my last day of work will be [date].

Thank you for the opportunity to work here. I will do what I can to hand over my work before I go.

Please confirm in writing that you have received this letter and the date my notice ends.

Yours sincerely,
[Your name]

Brackets are for your own facts. Delete anything that is not true for you.

UKWrite to your manager or HR department unless you have been told to write to someone else. Tell them: you're resigning; how much notice you're giving; what date you want to be your last day at work.Acas, "How to resign" (last updated 30 June 2026). Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

UKYou do not have to put your resignation in writing, for example in a letter or email. However, it can be helpful to have a record that you're resigning. This can help avoid disputes, for example about notice periods.Acas, "How to resign". Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

UKYou must give at least a week's notice if you've been in your job for more than a month.GOV.UK, "Handing in your notice". Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

UKYour contract will tell you whether you need to give notice in writing - otherwise you can do it verbally. Give written notice if you think you'll need to refer to it later, for example at an employment tribunal.GOV.UK, "Handing in your notice". Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

UKYour notice period usually runs from the start of the day after you handed your notice in.GOV.UK, "Handing in your notice". Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

UKAn employer cannot reject your resignation. However, you should always follow the right process so that you're not in breach of your contract.Acas, "How to resign". Open the page. Read 4 October 2026.

Which notice applies to you: Acas says the amount comes from your written statement of employment particulars or contract. By law, if you have worked at least one month you must give a minimum of one week, and your contract may ask for more. Rules can differ for agency, casual and zero-hours workers, so check your own contract.

If you want to leave sooner: Acas says you can ask whether you can leave without working all your notice, be paid instead, or go on garden leave, and that your employer does not have to agree. If you leave without agreement it "might affect your final pay or references".

If you leave because of how you were treated: Acas says a serious breach of contract can be complex (it mentions constructive dismissal) and to contact the Acas helpline. We can't advise on that.

US readers: we did not find an official federal rule on notice for someone who quits, so we state none. Your offer letter, contract or handbook is the place to look, and state rules can differ. The letter above works anywhere: leave out the legal wording and keep the dates.

The free "Resign well" download has three short letters to fill in: a standard resignation, one for short notice, and one for leaving on bad terms. It is free.

Do I have to resign in writing?

Acas says you do not have to, but a record can help avoid disputes. GOV.UK says your contract will tell you whether notice must be in writing, and to give written notice if you may need to refer to it later.

How much notice do I have to give?

GOV.UK says at least a week if you have been in your job more than a month. Acas says your written statement or contract may require more. Check your contract.

Can my employer refuse my resignation?

Acas says an employer cannot reject your resignation, but you should follow the right process so you are not in breach of your contract.

What if I resigned in the heat of the moment?

GOV.UK says to tell your employer immediately. Acas says they do not have to accept you withdrawing it but should give it serious consideration, especially if you changed your mind very quickly.

Will I be paid during my notice?

GOV.UK says you will usually get your normal pay rate during your notice period, but that may differ if you are off sick, on holiday or on certain kinds of leave. Check your contract.

Should I resign before I have an offer in writing?

GOV.UK advises waiting until you have an unconditional offer before handing in notice, because a conditional offer could fall through.

• Acas: How to resign, read 4 October 2026
• Acas: Notice when resigning, read 4 October 2026
• GOV.UK: Handing in your notice, read 4 October 2026
• GOV.UK: Job offers, your rights, read 4 October 2026

Not legal advice. This is general information. Rules depend on your contract, your country and, in the US, your state. For advice on your own case, ask the free Acas helpline (UK) or a qualified adviser. Page written and checked on 4 October 2026; official pages can change.

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