What notice period am I entitled to?

By law, your employer must give you notice before dismissing you (except in cases of gross misconduct). The minimum notice depends on how long you've worked there. Your contract may promise more.

• First month: No statutory notice requirement. Your employer can dismiss with no notice (though they should follow a fair process).
• After 1 month: Your employer must give you at least 1 week notice
• After 2 years: Your employer must give you at least 2 weeks notice
• After 5 years or longer: The statutory notice remains 2 weeks—it doesn't increase further

You must also give notice when you resign. The amount depends on your contract. If your contract doesn't specify, you're only required to give "reasonable" notice (usually 1 week). But check your contract—many require 2-4 weeks.

If you walk out without notice, your employer might claim you breached your contract and withhold final pay. Give proper notice if possible.

Your employer can place you on "garden leave" during your notice period—you get paid but don't come to work. This prevents you from working for a rival. Some contracts allow this; some don't. Check yours.

Your employer can pay you off instead of having you work your notice. If your contract allows it, they can give you a lump sum for the remaining notice period and you leave immediately. This is at your employer's choice, not yours—unless your contract guarantees it.