After 13 weeks of continuous employment, the statutory employee minimum is generally 1 week. Read the contract before resigning because a longer contractual notice period normally applies.
Check the contract before sending notice
Look for the notice length, how notice must be delivered, who should receive it and whether the period is written in calendar days, weeks or months. Also check clauses on garden leave, payment in lieu, annual leave and return of property.
A staff handbook may contain a process, but confirm whether it is contractual or guidance only.
How to give clear notice
Use a dated written resignation. State that you are resigning, identify the notice period you believe applies and give the proposed termination date. Ask the employer to confirm receipt and the agreed final date.
Email may provide a useful time record, but follow any contractual delivery requirement. Keep a copy outside the work account.
Worked example
Oleh has worked for two years. The statutory employee minimum is one week, but his contract requires one month. He should normally give the contractual month and calculate the proposed end date using the contract’s wording.
Can annual leave shorten the notice period?
Unused leave does not automatically cancel notice. The employee can request annual leave during notice, and the employer may arrange it under the normal rules. If leave is not taken before termination, the outstanding statutory balance is payable in final pay.
Leaving earlier than the required date
Ask the employer to agree an earlier release in writing. Simply stopping work can create a contractual dispute and complicate references, final arrangements or deductions. The employer may waive part of the notice, but the termination date and pay consequences should be explicit.
Final-day checklist
- Written confirmation of the termination date.
- Agreement on annual leave or garden leave.
- Return of equipment, keys and confidential material.
- Final salary, expenses and unused leave.
- Final payslip and correct leaving date reported to Revenue.
Work out your proposed end date
Enter the notice date and contractual period to get a clear calendar estimate.
Calculate the last working dayFrequently asked questions
How much notice do I have to give when resigning in Ireland?
After at least 13 weeks’ continuous employment, the statutory minimum is generally one week, or longer if the contract requires it.
Can I resign by email?
Written email creates a record, but you should follow any delivery method in the contract and ask for acknowledgement.
When does my notice start?
That depends on when notice is treated as received and the wording of the contract. Record delivery and confirm the end date.
Can my employer make me work the full notice?
The contractual and statutory notice obligations apply unless the parties agree to waive or vary them, or another lawful basis applies.
What happens to unused holidays?
Outstanding statutory annual leave is payable when employment terminates if it is not taken before the end date.
Official sources
Rules and thresholds can change. Check the source that applies to your circumstances before making an important decision.
Important: This guide provides general information for workers in Ireland. It does not replace your contract, payroll records, official guidance or advice on a disputed or unusual case.