Resignation is when an employee ends their employment contract. You might also call it 'resigning', 'quitting your job', or 'handing in your notice'.

When you resign, you are telling your employer you are going to stop working for them.

Problems at work

If you want to resign because of a problem at work, you might be able to get help to solve the problem.

Find out how to raise a problem at work

Notice period – when to resign

Your 'notice period' is how long you have to work for your employer after you resign.

Your contract will probably say how long your notice period is. If it doesn't, and you've worked for your employer for at least 1 month, you should give at least 1 week's notice.

Final pay

Your final pay may be different to your usual weekly or monthly pay.

It might change because of things like:

• how much holiday you've taken
• money deducted for training courses

Find out more about final pay when someone leaves a job

How to resign

Your employer might have a process they want you to follow. Check your contract to find out. If it's not in your contract, you could ask your manager.

Resign in writing

It's a good idea to resign in writing. You do not have to, but it can help to have a formal record of your resignation.

Write to your manager unless you have been told to write to someone else.

Tell them:

• you are resigning
• how much notice you are giving
• what date you want to be your last day at work

If you want proof that your employer has received your resignation, you can send your resignation letter by recorded delivery.