Resignation early release agreement letter template
Our Resignation Early Release Agreement Letter Template facilitates clear, mutual agreements between employers and employees for an early departure, ensuring clarity on terms.
- 1 page / 157 words.
- Last updated 30/01/2025.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Resignation early release agreement letter
[Sender name]
[Sender address]
[date]
[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]
Dear [Recipient first name],
Your resignation
Following our discussion about your departure date, I'd like to confirm that we have agreed on the following.
[Company name] agrees to release you from your contractual obligation to serve out your notice period and to allow you to leave earlier.
You are contractually obliged to give [months/weeks] notice.
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Employees may request to leave early after resigning to start a new job sooner.
It's not obligatory to accept the request but if accepted, ensure that you have the mutual agreement in writing to avoid potential unfair dismissal claims or notice period payment issues.
This template includes wording to prevent converting the resignation into a dismissal.
It is usually delivered to the Employee by the Employer / HR.
It should be actioned no later than 7 days after receiving formal notice of resignation.
Compliance
Compliance
This Resignation early release agreement letter template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
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Contractual obligations: Employers must ensure that the employee has fulfilled their contractual obligations before releasing them early. This includes notice periods and any other obligations set out in their employment contract.
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Payment: Employers must ensure that the employee receives the correct payment for the work they have completed up until the early release date, including any outstanding holiday pay or bonuses.
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Discrimination: Employers must avoid any discriminatory behaviour or language when communicating with the employee, or they could be in breach of discrimination legislation.
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Garden leave: Employers may require the employee to take garden leave before the early release date, in order to protect the company's interests. However, the employer must ensure that this is reasonable and proportionate.
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References: Employers may be required to provide a reference for the employee, and should ensure that any reference provided is accurate and not misleading.
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Data protection: Employers must ensure that any personal data held about the employee is handled in accordance with data protection legislation, and that the employee's privacy is respected.
Flowchart
Flowchart
Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Resignation early release agreement letter template, to understand the workflow.
Resignation acceptance letter
If an employee resigns, issue this model resignation acceptance letter to provide specific end of contract information, such as the date of their last day of work.
Exit interview meeting invitation letter
Our Exit Interview Meeting Invitation Letter template streamlines the process, ensuring a smooth and professional communication with departing employees.
Timings
Timings
Follow these best practice actions to get the most from the Resignation early release agreement letter template, guiding you before, during, and after implementation:
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| Step | Description | Responsibility | Timing |
| 1 | Employee Request: Receive an employee's request for an early release after resigning to start a new job sooner. | HR / Supervisor | N/A |
| 2 | Assess Feasibility: Evaluate if granting the early release aligns with business needs and legal requirements. | HR / Management Team | Day 1 |
| 3 | Obtain Employee Agreement: If approved, obtain a written agreement from the employee for mutual and voluntary early release. | HR / Supervisor | Day 3 |
| 4 | Prepare Early Release Letter: Create a comprehensive Early Release after Resignation Letter, confirming the agreed-upon early release date and terms. | HR / Management Team | Day 5 |
| 5 | Issue the Letter: After finalising the letter and obtaining necessary approvals, issue the Early Release after Resignation Letter to the employee, formally acknowledging the agreed-upon early release. | HR / Management Team | Day 7 (Or as deemed appropriate) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Resignation early release agreement letter template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
