Statutory Notice Period Calculator UK
Enter the start date and the date notice is given to see complete years of service, the statutory minimum notice and the earliest date notice can end. For employers and employees. No signup needed.
Work out the statutory notice period
Enter when the job started and when notice is given. The result is the legal minimum; check the contract too, as it may say more.
Enter both dates to see the statutory notice period.
General guidance for employees in Great Britain, not legal advice. It does not cover gross misconduct, fixed-term contracts or payment in lieu of notice. See GOV.UK.
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Statutory minimum notice in the UK
Section 86 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 sets the minimum notice an employer must give to end someone's employment, and the minimum an employee must give to resign. It depends on how long the person has worked for you continuously.
| Length of service | Employer must give | Employee must give |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 1 month | No statutory minimum | No statutory minimum |
| 1 month to less than 2 years | 1 week | 1 week |
| 2 years to less than 3 years | 2 weeks | 1 week |
| 3 to 11 complete years | 1 week per complete year (3 to 11 weeks) | 1 week |
| 12 years or more | 12 weeks | 1 week |
How to work out the notice period
- Count complete years of service. Count from the start date to the date notice is given, by anniversary. A year only counts once the anniversary has been reached.
- Apply the statutory minimum. For an employer: 1 week from 1 month's service, then 1 week for each complete year from 2 years, up to 12 weeks. For an employee: 1 week from 1 month's service.
- Check the contract. If the contract gives a longer notice period, the longer one applies. It cannot give less than the statutory minimum.
- Add the notice to the notice date. The calculator adds the weeks to the date notice is given to show the earliest date the notice period can end.
How much notice do I need to give an employee?
Use the calculator above with "The employer" selected. For example, someone who started on 15 January 2020 and is given notice on 15 January 2026 has 6 complete years of service, so the statutory minimum is 6 weeks. If their contract says 3 months, they get 3 months.
Holiday continues to build up during notice. Read our guides on annual leave during a notice period and holiday pay during notice.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice does an employer have to give an employee?
At least 1 week if the employee has worked for you for 1 month or more but less than 2 years. From 2 years, at least 1 week for each complete year of service, up to a maximum of 12 weeks for 12 years or more. With less than 1 month’s service there is no statutory minimum.
How much notice does an employee have to give?
At least 1 week once they have worked for you for 1 month or more. This does not increase with length of service. The contract can require more.
Can a contract give less notice than the statutory minimum?
No. A contract can set a longer notice period than the law requires, but not a shorter one. If the contract says less, the statutory minimum applies instead.
Which applies if the contract gives more notice?
The longer period. The statutory minimum is a floor. If the contract says 1 month and the statutory minimum is 3 weeks, the employee is entitled to 1 month.
How are complete years of service counted?
By anniversary of the start date. Someone who started on 3 March 2023 completes 2 years on 3 March 2025. Until that date they have 1 complete year, so the employer’s statutory minimum is still 1 week.
What if someone started on 29 February?
In years without a 29 February, this calculator counts the anniversary as 1 March. If the exact day matters to your case, take advice.
Does this calculator cover gross misconduct or payment in lieu of notice?
No. It works out the statutory minimum notice from the dates only. Dismissal for gross misconduct, fixed-term contracts and payment in lieu of notice depend on the facts and the contract.
Sources and scope: checked 24 September 2026
This tool works out the statutory minimum notice for employees in Great Britain from the dates you enter. It does not read the contract, and does not cover gross misconduct, fixed-term contracts or payment in lieu of notice.
General information only, not legal advice.
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