I have been offered a New job but what notice do I need to give

I’ve been offered and accepted a new job. The new company wants me to start as soon as possible but we’re really short-staffed where I am now and I don’t know when I’ll be allowed to leave?

Congratulations! It can feel awkward telling your employer but there are set processes in place. The time between telling your employer you’ve found a new position and you leaving is known as your notice period.

If you’ve been in your current job for less than one month, you won’t have to give any notice period (unless your contract says otherwise). If it’s more than a month though, you have to give at least one week’s notice even without a written contract. Check what your contract says if you have one to find out how much notice you’re expected to give.

It’s worth waiting until your new employer has confirmed your new employment by signing your contract or giving you a start date.

It’s then best to give your resignation in writing (email is fine), so that you have a record. You can find guidance on this on the Citizens Advice website, where we have a page on handing in your notice.

Fixed-term contracts are a bit different, as you won’t need to give notice if you intend to leave on the last day of your contract. Leaving before the end of a fixed-term contract usually means giving at least one week’s notice, but again check your contract.

Don’t forget about your holiday days during your notice period. If you have any unused annual leave, speak to your employer about either taking these during the notice period or being paid back for them in your final pay.

Everyone’s situation is different, but if you face any challenges, contact Citizens Advice for advice: 0808 378 7868 or visit our website pages about what to do when you’re leaving a job.