Free resignation letter templates for UK jobs

Copy one of our example letters, or write your own in a few minutes with our free builder. It works out your last day, and gives you a PDF or Word file in your CV design, with your signature.

  • Free to use
  • UK notice periods
  • PDF or Word
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Resignation letter examples to copy and adapt

Four letters for different situations. Change the names, dates and job titles to your own, or let the builder fill them in for you. The people and employers are made up.

Standard resignation letter

Formal and complete. Right for almost any employer, and the safest choice if you are not sure.

Amira Khan, Accounts Assistant · one month’s notice · handed in Friday 27 February 2026

Dear Mr Shaw,

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Accounts Assistant at Halden & Co.

In line with my notice period of one month, my last working day will be Friday 27 March 2026.

I would like to thank you for the opportunities and support I have had at Halden & Co. I have particularly valued the chance to study for my AAT qualification while working here.

I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth handover before I leave, including passing on my work and supporting whoever takes over my responsibilities.

Yours sincerely,
Amira Khan

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Short resignation letter

Just the essentials. Good for part-time and hourly jobs, or when you would rather say the rest in person.

Tom Fletcher, Sales Assistant · one week’s notice · handed in Saturday 7 March 2026

Dear Jo,

Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my role as Sales Assistant at Marlow Kitchens. My last working day will be Saturday 14 March 2026, in line with my notice period of one week.

Thank you for the opportunities I have had here. I will do all I can to help with a smooth handover.

Kind regards,
Tom Fletcher

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Resignation letter for a new job

For when you have accepted another offer. It gives a short, positive reason and asks about holiday pay and a reference.

Grace Okoye, Staff Nurse · four weeks’ notice · handed in Thursday 2 April 2026

Dear Ms Price,

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Staff Nurse at Brightwater Care.

I have accepted a Senior Staff Nurse role with another provider, which is a step I have been working towards for some time.

In line with my notice period of four weeks, my last working day will be Thursday 30 April 2026.

I am grateful for everything I have learned on the unit, and for the support you gave me during my preceptorship.

I will keep my handover notes up to date and help to brief whoever covers my shifts.

Please could you confirm how my outstanding annual leave will be handled, whether it is to be taken before my last day or paid in my final salary? I would also be grateful if you could provide a reference for my new employer.

Yours sincerely,
Grace Okoye

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Friendly resignation letter

Warmer, for a manager you get on well with. Still clear about your notice and last day.

Daniel Hughes, Warehouse Team Leader · two weeks’ notice · handed in Friday 10 April 2026

Dear Priti,

I am writing to let you know that I have decided to resign from my role as Warehouse Team Leader at Ashby Logistics. It has not been an easy decision, as I have really enjoyed working here.

My notice period is two weeks, so my last day will be Friday 24 April 2026.

Thank you for all your support over the last three years, especially for putting me forward for my forklift instructor training. I have learned a great deal from you and the team.

I want the handover to go as smoothly as possible, so please let me know how I can help over the coming weeks.

I hope we can stay in touch.

Best wishes,
Daniel Hughes

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Or let us write it with you

Answer a few questions and your letter writes itself as you go, from the same tried and tested UK wording. You can change any of it.

  • Your last working day, worked out from your notice period
  • Formal, friendly or short, with or without a reason
  • Optional lines: thanks, the handover, holiday pay and a reference
  • Your name and contact details, in your CV design and colours
  • Your signature, typed, drawn or uploaded, kept private to you
  • Saved to your account, ready to download again as a PDF or Word file
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A short resignation letter made with the builder, with a made-up name and a typed signature

How to resign in the UK

How much notice to give

Your contract or written statement of employment says how much notice you need to give. Many jobs ask for one week or one month, and senior roles often three months.

If your contract says nothing, the legal minimum is one week once you have worked there for a month or more. If you want to leave sooner, ask: your employer can agree to a shorter notice period.

Working out your last day

Notice usually runs from the day after you hand it in. One month’s notice given on 27 February ends on 27 March; one week’s notice given on a Saturday ends the following Saturday.

Your contract may set its own rules, such as notice ending on a Friday or at the end of a month, so check it and agree the date with your manager.

Handing it in

  1. Tell your manager first, in person or on a call.
  2. Give them the letter, or email it, the same day.
  3. Keep a copy, and ask them to confirm your last day in writing.
  4. Check your final payslip includes any holiday you have not taken.

What not to say

  • Complaints about your manager, colleagues or the company. Raise those separately if you need to.
  • A pay demand. If you would stay for more money, talk about it in person before you resign.
  • Details of your new job. You do not have to say where you are going.
  • Anything written in anger. Sleep on it and send a calm letter the next day.

Applying for your next role? See our cover letter examples, how to prepare for an interview and references on a CV.

Resignation letters: your questions

Do I have to give a reason for resigning?

No. A letter that says you are resigning and when your last day will be is enough. If you want to give a reason, keep it to one short, positive sentence, such as having accepted a new role.

How much notice do I need to give in the UK?

Whatever your contract or written statement of employment says. If it says nothing and you have worked there for a month or more, the legal minimum is one week. Many jobs ask for one week or one month, and senior roles often three months.

Can I resign by email?

Usually, yes. Most employers accept an email as written notice. Check your contract in case it asks for notice in a particular way, and keep a copy of what you sent.

When does my notice period start?

Usually the day after you hand in your notice, although your contract may set its own rules. Our builder works out a last day for you; agree the exact date with your manager and ask them to confirm it in writing.

Can I leave before my notice period ends?

Only if your employer agrees. Ask, and get any agreement in writing. Leaving early without agreement breaks your contract. If your contract allows it, your employer may also put you on garden leave or pay you in lieu of notice.

Will I be paid for holiday I have not taken?

Yes. When you leave, you must be paid for any statutory holiday you have built up but not taken. Your employer can also ask you to take some or all of it during your notice period instead.

Should I sign my resignation letter?

If you hand in a paper letter, sign it between the sign-off and your typed name. For an email or a PDF, your typed name is fine, though many people add a signature. Our builder adds your saved signature for you.

Can I take back my resignation?

Only if your employer agrees. Once you have given clear notice, they do not have to accept a change of mind, so be sure before you hand it in.

Does my employer have to give me a reference?

In most jobs, no, although many do. If they give one, it must be fair and accurate. Our guide to references on a CV explains who to ask.

Ready for what comes next?

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Write your resignation letter in a few minutes, in your CV design and with your signature. Free.

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