Statutory minimum notice (UK)

Under section 86 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, your employer must give you minimum statutory notice based on how long you've worked there:

  • Less than 1 month of service: nil.
  • 1 month to less than 2 years: 1 week.
  • 2 to 12 years: 1 week per complete year of service.
  • 12 or more years: 12 weeks (the cap).

If your contract says more than the statutory minimum, the contract wins. If the contract says less, the statutory minimum still applies.

What happens if your employer dismisses you without proper notice?

Dismissal without notice is usually a breach of contract — you can claim damages for the missed notice period (or pay in lieu of notice, PILON, if your contract provides for it).

Exception: gross misconduct, where the employer is entitled to dismiss summarily.

What about your notice to them?

If you've been there at least 1 month, you must give 1 week. Your contract often says more — read it.