Notice period calculator
Work out the least notice your employer must give you by law, and the least you must give them.
Statutory notice from GOV.UK, checked 13 November 2026. Your contract can give more.
Result
After 3 years, your employer must give you at least 3 weeks' notice.
weeks' notice, at least
| Your employer must give you at least | 3 weeks |
|---|---|
| You must give at least | 1 week |
Check your contract too. If it gives more notice than this, the contract applies.
Show the workings
| Step | Sum | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Notice from your employer | 3 full years: 1 week for each | 3 weeks |
| Notice from you | More than a month's work: at least 1 week | 1 week |
What this leaves out or assumes
- These are the legal minimums. Your contract can give more, but not less.
- Some dismissals, such as for gross misconduct, can be without notice.
Where the figures come from
- Longest statutory notice an employer must give: 12 weeks. Source: GOV.UK: Redundancy, notice periods. Checked 13 November 2026.
Statutory notice periods
The least notice your employer must give you depends on how long you have worked for them:
- at least 1 week if you have worked there between a month and 2 years
- 1 week for each full year if you have worked there between 2 and 12 years
- 12 weeks if you have worked there 12 years or more
| Time worked | Notice |
|---|---|
| 6 months | 1 week |
| 1 year and 6 months | 1 week |
| 2 years | 2 weeks |
| 5 years | 5 weeks |
| 8 years | 8 weeks |
| 12 years | 12 weeks |
| 20 years | 12 weeks |
If you have worked there for more than a month, you must give your employer at least 1 week's notice, unless your contract says more.
Your contract
These are the legal minimums. Your contract can give a longer notice period, and if it does, the longer one applies. It cannot give less. If your contract does not say, the statutory notice applies.
You usually get your normal pay during your notice period. Your employer can pay you instead of you working your notice, called payment in lieu, if your contract allows it or you agree to it. GOV.UK explains notice periods, and Acas gives free help.