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Free, plain-English guides to UK employment law, with the sources to back them up.
Statutory employer notice
How much notice am I owed?
7 full years: 7 weeks of statutory employer notice.
| Continuous service | Minimum |
|---|---|
| 1 month to under 2 years | 1 week |
| 2 to 12 full years | 1 week per year |
| 12 years or more | 12 weeks |
For employees with at least a year’s service. Your contract may give more. Gross misconduct can remove the right to notice. Check the notice rules.
Many three-month limits became six months where the relevant date is on or after 1 October 2026. Earlier events do not acquire extra time.
Commencement No. 6, made on 1 October, legally fixes this start for stronger harassment prevention and third-party protections, union access, remaining recognition and derecognition reforms, and time-off rights for union officials, learning representatives and qualifying equality representatives. Section 56 and Schedule 5's seafarer-protection framework are also scheduled to commence, but operational declaration requirements need further regulations. These changes are not yet in force.
The regulations are scheduled for this date, not yet in force.
The qualifying period is scheduled to fall to six months and the ordinary compensatory-award cap is scheduled to be removed for dismissals with an effective termination date from this day. Strengthened tipping law and the union-rights statement duty are also scheduled for this date.
Dates and status from our reform tracker. Scheduled does not mean in force.
Gardening leave means paid notice away from work, not the end of your job. Your wages and holiday rights continue, but starting another job may need permission.
Dated guidance. Primary sources. A clear line between the law now and what comes next.
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