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Statutory notice period calculator

The minimum notice an employer must give, and an employee must give, based on length of continuous employment, with an estimate of notice pay. For England, Wales and Scotland.

The statutory minimum

Once someone has been continuously employed for one month or more, an employer must give at least one week's notice if they have worked there for less than two years, one week for each complete year between two and twelve years, and twelve weeks after twelve years. An employee who has been employed for one month or more must give at least one week (Employment Rights Act 1996, s86; GOV.UK).

A contract can give more notice than this, but any shorter notice in a contract is overridden by the statutory minimum. Either side can waive notice, or accept payment in lieu of notice (s86(3)).

Notice pay

GOV.UK's redundancy guidance says notice pay is based on the average earned per week over the 12 weeks before the notice period starts, and that payment in lieu covers all the basic pay for the notice period (GOV.UK). The figure above multiplies weekly pay by the weeks of notice; your own figure may differ with overtime, commission or contract terms.

Where this applies

Section 86 covers England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland has its own employment law. Gross misconduct and the right to end a contract without notice for the other side's conduct are outside this calculator (s86(6)).

Ending someone's job because of redundancy? Use the statutory redundancy pay calculator too. Work out their holiday with the holiday entitlement calculator.

Based on legislation.gov.uk and GOV.UK, checked 17 October 2026. Not legal advice; for disputes, Acas offers free advice.

Questions

How much notice do I have to give an employee?

At least one week after one month's service, one week per complete year from two years, up to a maximum of twelve weeks after twelve years. The contract may say more.

How much notice does an employee have to give?

At least one week, once they've been employed for one month or more, unless the contract says more.

Can I pay instead of notice?

Yes. Section 86 doesn't stop payment in lieu of notice. It should cover the basic pay for the notice period, plus any contractual extras.

Does this apply in Northern Ireland?

No. Section 86 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 covers England, Wales and Scotland.