Guide · US · UK · Australia · Canada · Not legal advice
Resignation Notice Periods by Country
How much notice you should give when you resign depends on where you work. Here is a plain-English comparison for the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada, with a country-specific template for each.
| Country | Customary notice to resign | What sets it | Template |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | At-will in most states; two weeks' notice is customary, not a federal legal requirement. | At-will employment + your contract/handbook | Is two weeks required? |
| UK | Statutory minimum of 1 week after 1 month's service; contracts often require 1 month or more. | Employment Rights Act 1996 + your contract | UK template |
| Australia | Set by your award, agreement, or contract — commonly 1–4 weeks based on length of service. | Fair Work / NES + award, agreement, or contract | Australia template |
| Canada | Two weeks is customary; notice for resigning is set mainly by your contract and province. | Provincial/territorial ESA (or Canada Labour Code) + contract | Canada template |
Notice rules vary by contract, role, and location. Always read your own contract and check the official rules where you work.
UK
Statutory minimum of 1 week after 1 month's service; contracts often require 1 month or more.
UK resignation letter template →Australia
Set by your award, agreement, or contract — commonly 1–4 weeks based on length of service.
Australia resignation letter template →Canada
Two weeks is customary; notice for resigning is set mainly by your contract and province.
Canada resignation letter template →Working in the United States?
Most US employment is at-will, so two weeks’ notice is a professional courtesy rather than a federal requirement — though your contract or handbook can still set one. See is two weeks notice required and the two weeks notice letter template.
Notice period FAQ
Is the notice period for resigning the same in every country?
No. In the US, two weeks is a professional courtesy under at-will employment rather than a federal law. In the UK there is a statutory minimum plus whatever your contract requires. In Australia notice is usually set by your award, agreement, or contract. In Canada two weeks is the norm, with your contract and province governing the details. Always check the rules where you work.
What happens if I give less notice than required?
Giving short notice can affect your final pay, references, and in some cases contractual obligations. Check your contract and, where relevant, local employment rules before you resign. This is general information, not legal advice.
Should I still put my last working day in the letter?
Yes, in every country. Write an exact calendar date rather than “two weeks from now” so payroll, HR, and scheduling have no ambiguity.