What should a resignation letter include?

Your job title, a clear statement that you are resigning, your notice period and last working day, and a signature. A thank-you line and an offer to help with the handover are polite but optional.

Do I have to give a reason for resigning?

No. A resignation letter is a formal notice, not an explanation. If you do give a reason, keep it to one positive sentence — the letter sits on your personnel file.

How much notice do I need to give in the UK?

Whatever your contract says. If it says nothing, the legal minimum after one month in the job is one week. Your employer can agree to a shorter notice period but does not have to.

Can I email my resignation letter?

Usually yes, unless your contract says notice must be in writing on paper. Email it to your manager, attach the letter as a PDF, and keep a copy of the sent message as proof of the date.

Free template · 2026/27

Resignation letter template

A UK resignation letter needs four things: your job title, a clear statement that you are resigning, your notice period and your last working day. Fill in the form and the letter writes itself — copy it into an email or save it as a PDF.

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Your full nameYour job titleCompanyManager's nameLeave blank to address it generally.Notice periodCheck your contract — it overrides any default.Last working dayReason (optional)You don't have to give one. Keep it short and positive if you do.What you're thankful for (optional)Offer to help with the handover

5 November 2026

Dear Sir or Madam,

Resignation — [job title]

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as [job title] at [company]. I will confirm my last working day with you.

I will do everything I can to make the handover smooth over my notice period, including documenting my current work and supporting whoever takes it on.

Thank you again, and I wish you and [company] every success.

Yours faithfully,

Your name

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Sample resignation letters

Standard resignation letter

Dear Ms Patel,

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Site Engineer at Northway Construction. In line with my one month notice period, my last working day will be Friday 4 December 2026.

I will do everything I can to make the handover smooth over my notice period, including documenting my current work and supporting whoever takes it on.

Thank you for the opportunities I have had here, and I wish you and the team every success.

Yours sincerely, Sam Taylor

Short resignation letter

Dear Mr Hughes,

I am writing to resign from my role as Healthcare Assistant, with my last working day on Friday 27 November 2026, which completes my contractual notice.

Thank you for your support during my time on the ward.

Yours sincerely, Priya Shah

Common questions

What should a resignation letter include?: Your job title, a clear statement that you are resigning, your notice period and last working day, and a signature. A thank-you line and an offer to help with the handover are polite but optional.
Do I have to give a reason for resigning?: No. A resignation letter is a formal notice, not an explanation. If you do give a reason, keep it to one positive sentence — the letter sits on your personnel file.
How much notice do I need to give in the UK?: Whatever your contract says. If it says nothing, the legal minimum after one month in the job is one week. Your employer can agree to a shorter notice period but does not have to.
Can I email my resignation letter?: Usually yes, unless your contract says notice must be in writing on paper. Email it to your manager, attach the letter as a PDF, and keep a copy of the sent message as proof of the date.

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