Notice periods policy template
This model policy is to confirm the usual arrangements for providing notice to terminate an employment contract.
- 2 pages / 291 words.
- Last updated 16/09/2025.
- 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.
Notice periods policy
1 Overview
1.1 The purpose of this notice periods policy is to establish a standard for giving notice of termination of employment by employees of the organisation, based on their level of responsibility. This policy is in accordance with UK employment law.
2 Scope
2.1 This policy is applicable to all employees of [company name].
3 General principles
3.1 Notice Period
All employees are required to give notice of their intention to resign from the organisation. The notice period is based on the level of responsibility held by the employee, as outlined in the
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A notice periods policy is a document that outlines the amount of notice that an employee or employer must provide before terminating an employment contract.
The policy typically sets out the length of the notice period, the circumstances under which notice may be given or waived, and any procedures that must be followed when giving or receiving notice.
Send to appropriate internal recipients such as employees, workers, contractors etc. and request confirmation that is has been read and understood.
Issue during onboarding / after changes / planned refresher.
Compliance
Compliance
This Notice periods policy template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
In the UK, notice periods are governed by law and vary depending on the length of service and the terms of the employment contract. The notice periods policy should reflect the legal requirements and any additional policies or procedures that the employer has put in place.
A typical notice periods policy may include the following information:
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The length of notice required from both the employer and the employee
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Circumstances under which notice can be waived or shortened
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Procedures for giving notice, such as in writing or verbally
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Any pay or benefits that the employee is entitled to during the notice period
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Any additional requirements or obligations for the employee during the notice period, such as returning company property or completing certain tasks
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Consequences of failing to provide the required notice, such as loss of pay or other disciplinary action
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Notice periods policy 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.
