Heat of the moment resignation response letter template
Our Heat of the Moment Resignation Response Letter template helps address resignations made impulsively, offering support and clarifying next steps.
If an employee has resigned in the heat of the moment, issue this letter to clarify the situation, and understand the reasons for the resignation.
- 1 page / 189 words.
- Last updated 26/05/2023.
- 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.
Heat of the moment resignation response letter
[Sender name]
[Sender address]
[date]
[Recipient name]
[Recipient address]
Dear [Recipient first name],
Your resignation
We are writing to you following the incident on [date] when you left work [stating that you were resigning/saying words that suggested that you might be resigning].
We are aware that feelings were running high at the time and we are writing to you, now that there has been some time for consideration, to check that this
You're currently viewing a limited preview. For instant full access, purchase this item or a parent bundle.
A Heat of the Moment Resignation Response Letter serves multiple purposes for employers.
Firstly, it acknowledges the employee's resignation in the heat of the moment, ensuring it was voluntary and not coerced.
Secondly, it documents the circumstances surrounding the resignation, capturing any emotional outbursts or disagreements that may have influenced the decision.
Thirdly, the letter clarifies any misunderstandings that might have led to the resignation, fostering better communication between the parties.
Lastly, it protects the employer's interests by providing evidence in case of legal disputes, safeguarding against wrongful termination claims.
This comprehensive approach helps maintain transparency and accountability during challenging situations.
It is usually delivered to the Employee by the Employer / HR.
It should be actioned as soon as possible after the event has occurred.
Compliance
Compliance
This Heat of the moment resignation response letter template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
An employee who resigns in the "heat of the moment", when they were angry or upset, may not have made a rational decision to terminate the employment and might regret it.
In these circumstances, the employer should consider giving the employee the opportunity to retract their resignation after they have had time to calm down.
An employer that does not allow an employee to retract a heat-of-the-moment resignation may be at risk of an unfair dismissal claim
Flowchart
Flowchart
Check which resources should be implemeted before and/or after the Heat of the moment resignation response 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.
Timings
Timings
Follow these best practice actions to get the most from the Heat of the moment resignation response letter template, guiding you before, during, and after implementation:
Instantly unlock with a purchase.
Instantly unlock with a purchase.
| Step | Description | Responsibility | Timing |
| 1 | Employee resigns in the heat of the moment | Employee | N/A |
| 2 | Employer assesses the situation and gathers information | HR/Management | 0-1 days |
| 3 | Employer issues the Heat of the Moment Resignation Response Letter | HR/Management | 1-2 days |
| 4 | Meeting with the employee to discuss the resignation | HR/Management | 1-2 days |
| 5 | Follow-up actions or further discussions as necessary | HR/Management | Ongoin |
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Heat of the moment resignation response 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
