How to Write a Resignation Letter: A Complete UK Guide for 2026

Knowing how to write a resignation letter in the UK is a critical career skill. In short, it's a concise, formal document that states your intention to leave, confirms your last day of employment based on your contractual notice period, and offers a brief thank you. Getting this right ensures you leave on professional, positive terms, safeguarding future references and networking opportunities. It's your final professional handshake, so making a good impression is vital.

Why Your Resignation Letter Leaves a Lasting Impression

In the modern UK workplace, moving on is a normal and healthy part of growing your career. But how you leave is just as important as how you arrived. Your resignation letter is the last official document you'll file with your employer, and it sets the tone for your entire exit. It's your final chance to make a professional statement.

This isn't just about saying, "I quit." This letter serves a few vital functions that protect your professional standing long after you've handed in your pass.

• It safeguards your reputation. A polite, well-written letter ensures you're remembered as a considerate professional who handles their affairs with class.
• It preserves your network. The professional world can be surprisingly small. Keeping things positive with former managers is crucial for future references and opportunities.
• It ensures a smooth handover. Your letter formally kicks off the transition process, helping your team prepare for your departure and keeping disruption to a minimum.

The Bigger Picture in the UK Job Market

The way people leave jobs has evolved. We saw this during the "Great Resignation," which hit its UK peak in the second quarter of 2022 with a staggering 442,000 job-to-job moves. While things have calmed down since, it proves that resigning is a standard part of the employment cycle. Statista has some great insights on these UK resignation trends.

This context just reinforces why getting your resignation letter right is more important than ever. It's a tool for navigating your career journey with grace and strategic foresight.

Your resignation letter is the bookend to your time with a company. Just as a strong CV and cover letter create a powerful first impression, a professional resignation letter ensures your final impression is just as positive and memorable.

Setting a Constructive Tone

The goal is to frame your departure as a positive step forward, not a negative retreat. You should give this letter the same care you would any other key career document. Think about it—you'd read through our guide on writing a compelling cover letter to land a new role, so why not apply the same diligence to your exit document to protect your reputation?

Ultimately, knowing how to write a resignation letter is about managing your career narrative. It's an act of professional courtesy that pays dividends by keeping doors open, securing positive references, and cementing your image as someone who handles every situation with class.

The Core Anatomy of a Resignation Letter

Knowing how to write a resignation letter is really about understanding its basic blueprint. It's not just another email; it's a formal business document that needs to be clear, professional, and respectful. Each piece, from your contact details to your final sign-off, has a specific job to do.

Think of this structure as your safety net. It ensures you hit all the crucial points without getting bogged down in emotion or unnecessary details that could make your exit messy. Get this right, and you're already halfway to a smooth and professional departure.

Header: Contact Information and Date

Every formal letter starts with the essentials. This header is for official records, leaving absolutely no room for administrative mix-ups.

Begin with your own contact information, usually aligned to the left or right at the top of the page:

• Your Full Name
• Your Address
• Your Phone Number
• Your Personal Email Address (not your work one!)

Then, add the date you're submitting the letter. This is a critical detail, as it officially kicks off your notice period. Below the date, include your manager's full name, their title, and the company's address, typically aligned to the left.

The Opening: Your Resignation and Effective Date

This is the most important part of the letter, where you get straight to the point. There should be zero ambiguity here.

Start with a standard salutation, like "Dear [Manager's Name]". Then, in the very first sentence, state your intention clearly. Something like, "Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am resigning from my position as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name]."

Follow that immediately with your last day of employment. You'll calculate this based on the notice period in your contract. For example, "In line with my four-week notice period, my final day will be [Date]."

Pro Tip: Before you write a single word, pull out your employment contract and double-check your required notice period. Getting this date wrong creates a headache for everyone. Nailing this detail is fundamental to learning how to write a resignation letter correctly.

The Body: Gratitude and Handover Plans

With the formalities handled, the middle of your letter is where you maintain a positive, constructive tone. This is your chance to express a little gratitude and show you're committed to a clean handover.

A simple sentence of thanks is all it takes. You could say, "I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had at [Company Name] over the past [Number] years and truly value the experience I've gained." You don't need to overdo it; sincerity is key.

Next, offer to help during the transition. This reinforces your professionalism right up to the very end. A simple line like, "I am fully committed to ensuring a smooth handover of my responsibilities and am happy to help train my replacement," shows you're a team player until the last minute.

The Closing: A Professional Farewell and Signature

The final part of your letter brings it to a polite and professional close. Just like the opening, it should be clean and formal.

Use a standard professional closing, such as:

• "Yours sincerely," (the standard if you've addressed your manager by name)
• "Best regards," (a slightly less formal but perfectly acceptable alternative)

Leave a few blank lines, and then type your full name. If you're handing in a printed copy—which is always a good touch—you must sign your name in the space between the closing and your typed name. That handwritten signature is what makes it an official record.

Practical Resignation Letter Templates You Can Use

Knowing the theory behind a good resignation letter is one thing, but staring at a blank page is another. This is where a solid, adaptable template becomes your best friend. It gives you a professional, clear, and positive framework that you can tweak for your own circumstances, taking the stress out of the process.

And it seems a lot of us are looking for that guidance. The demand for reliable templates tells a story about the shifting UK job market. Back in March 2019, Google searches for 'resignation letter template' were around 22,200 a month. Fast forward to February 2023, and that number had almost doubled, soaring to 40,500. It's clear that UK workers are actively looking for the right way to manage their career moves professionally.

The Standard Professional Template

This is your go-to for most situations. It's polite, straight to the point, and ticks all the necessary boxes without getting into unnecessary detail or emotion. It works perfectly whether you're leaving for a fantastic new opportunity, relocating, or simply moving on.

Example: Standard Professional Resignation

Subject: Resignation – [Your Full Name]

Dear [Manager's Name],

Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from my position as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name].

In line with my contractual notice period of [e.g., four weeks], my final day of employment will be [Your Last Day].

I would like to thank you for the opportunities I have been given during my time here. I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will do all I can to hand over my responsibilities effectively before I leave.

I wish you and the company all the best for the future.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature - if printed]

[Your Typed Name]

This template is the professional standard for a reason. It's completely unambiguous while keeping the tone cooperative and positive right to the end.

The Personal and Grateful Template

Sometimes, the standard template can feel a bit cold, especially if you have a genuinely great relationship with your manager and team. This version adds a touch more warmth and personality while staying completely professional. It's the perfect choice if you've been with a company for years or just want to express some real gratitude on your way out.

Example: Personal and Grateful Resignation

Subject: Resignation – [Your Full Name]

Dear [Manager's First Name],

It is with mixed emotions that I am writing to resign from my position as [Your Job Title], effective from [Your Last Day], in accordance with my notice period.

My time at [Company Name] has been incredibly rewarding, and I am deeply grateful for the mentorship and support you have provided over the past [Number] years. I have truly valued working with the team and will take many fond memories with me.

I am, of course, dedicated to ensuring a seamless handover of my duties during my final weeks. Please let me know how I can best support this process.

Thank you again for everything. I look forward to staying in touch.

Best regards,

[Your Signature - if printed]

[Your Typed Name]

The Short Notice Resignation Template

Handing in your notice with less time than your contract requires is a tricky situation. It should really only be for genuine emergencies or if you've already agreed it with your employer. This template is designed to be apologetic but firm, acknowledging the hassle it might cause while being clear about your situation. I'd always recommend having this conversation in person first.

Example: Short Notice Resignation

Subject: Resignation – [Your Full Name]

Dear [Manager's Name],

Please accept this letter as notification of my resignation from the position of [Your Job Title] at [Company Name].

Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, I must shorten my notice period and request that my final day of employment be [Your Proposed Last Day].

I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. I am committed to doing everything possible to ensure a smooth and efficient handover of my responsibilities before my departure.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature - if printed]

[Your Typed Name]

Just as there are specific formats for different resignation scenarios, the same logic applies to other career documents. You can check out our guide on cover letter examples to see how tone and structure can be adapted for various applications. Having the right framework makes any professional communication clearer and more effective.

Navigating Difficult Resignation Scenarios

Not every departure is a clean, happy break. Things can get complicated. You might be leaving a toxic environment, dealing with burnout, or stepping away for personal health reasons. This is where knowing how to frame your resignation letter becomes absolutely critical.

In these situations, your goal is to remain impeccably professional, no matter what's going on behind the scenes. Think of your letter as a shield, not a sword. It needs to state the facts—your resignation and your final day—without getting into emotional details or accusations that could burn bridges or cause problems down the line.

Resigning From a Toxic Work Environment or Due to Burnout

Walking away from a job because of a negative culture or just sheer exhaustion is incredibly common. It's not just you. A recent study found that burnout and poor relationships with managers are two of the top three reasons UK employees quit. The same data showed a staggering 40% of UK workers were thinking about leaving, especially younger employees who felt completely drained.

When you're in this boat, your resignation letter is not the place to air your grievances. Keep it short, neutral, and focused on the future.

• Stick to the facts. Just state your intention to resign and your last day.
• Leave out the drama. Don't mention toxicity, specific people, or negative incidents.
• Be professional, but vague. Phrases like "pursuing a new opportunity" or "moving in a different career direction" are your best friends here.

The aim is a clean, uncomplicated exit. Putting negative feedback in writing can be used against you or simply ignored, costing you a good reference without achieving anything. If you decide to give feedback, save it for the exit interview—and even then, choose your words carefully.

Handling Resignations for Health Reasons

If you need to leave your job to focus on your physical or mental health, your privacy is the top priority. You are under no obligation to disclose the details of your medical situation in your resignation letter. A professional, discreet approach is always the best policy.

The letter should clearly communicate your departure while keeping your personal boundaries firmly in place.

Here's some wording that works well:

"Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation. Due to personal health reasons that require my full attention, my final day of employment will be [Your Last Day]. I'm grateful for the opportunity I've had here and am committed to ensuring a smooth handover of my responsibilities."

This phrasing is professional and respectful, and it gives a valid reason without inviting nosy questions. It protects your private health information while being perfectly clear. These conversations can be tough. If you need help planning what to say, getting advice on how to handle career challenges with a career coach can be a huge confidence booster.

Leaving a New Job Shortly After Starting

Quitting a job you've just started is awkward, to say the least. But it happens more than you'd think. Maybe the role wasn't what was advertised, the culture is a terrible fit, or a dream opportunity came out of nowhere. Again, tact is everything.

You don't need a long, drawn-out explanation. A simple, professional letter will do the job.

• Be appreciative. Thank them for the opportunity, even if it was brief.
• Be concise. Simply state that the role isn't the right fit for your long-term career goals.
• Be helpful. Acknowledge the inconvenience and offer to make the handover as easy as possible.

This approach shows maturity and self-awareness, which helps preserve your professional reputation even in what feels like an embarrassing situation. Learning to handle these tricky scenarios is a true mark of a seasoned professional.

Resignation Wording Do's and Don'ts

Knowing the right words to use—and which ones to avoid—can make all the difference between a smooth exit and a memorable mistake. Here's a quick comparison to guide your writing.

Ultimately, your resignation letter is the final official document you'll create for your employer. Keeping it positive, professional, and forward-looking ensures you leave on the best possible terms.

Delivering Your Resignation and Your Notice Period

Knowing how to write a resignation letter is only half the battle. The final word you type is just the beginning of the process. How you actually deliver the news—and how you behave during your notice period—is what really cements your professional reputation as you walk out the door.

The golden rule is simple: tell your direct manager first, in person. Schedule a private chat and treat it as a respectful conversation, not a sudden ambush. This isn't just about courtesy; it sets the tone for your entire departure. No manager wants to be blindsided by a formal letter hitting their desk or an email popping into their inbox without hearing it from you directly.

This is where your people skills are put to the test. Resigning is often a delicate situation, so it pays to be prepared. Knowing how to handle difficult conversations with confidence can make all the difference between a smooth exit and an awkward, tense goodbye.

Choosing Your Delivery Method: Email vs. Physical Copy

After you've had the face-to-face chat, it's time to provide the official written notice. In most modern workplaces, both email and a printed letter are perfectly fine, but your choice can say a lot about your company's culture.

• Email Resignation: It's fast, efficient, and creates an instant digital timestamp. This is often the norm in remote-first companies or large organisations where everything is handled digitally.
• Physical Letter: Handing over a signed, printed copy after your conversation adds a touch of formality. It can feel more personal and is often the expected approach in more traditional office settings.

Honestly, the best move is often a hybrid one. Have the conversation, hand your manager a printed copy for their immediate records, then follow up with an email to both them and HR. This ensures all your bases are covered and your resignation is formally logged without any room for confusion.

Making Your Notice Period Productive and Positive

Your notice period is the final act of your performance at the company. How you spend these last few weeks is what colleagues will remember most vividly. Your objective should be to leave your role in the best possible shape for whoever comes next.

Your conduct during your notice period is the final chapter of your story with the company. Don't let a sloppy ending spoil an otherwise great book. Make your handover so thorough that your team feels supported, not abandoned.

First things first, create a comprehensive handover plan. This isn't just a to-do list; it's a detailed roadmap for the person stepping into your shoes.

Key Elements of a Strong Handover Document:

• Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Tasks: Break down all the recurring duties and their deadlines.
• Key Contacts: Who are the go-to people, both inside and outside the company? List them and explain their relationship to the role.
• Project Status: Give a clear update on every ongoing project, including the next steps and any potential hurdles.
• Login Details and File Locations: Securely document where to find crucial files and how to access necessary systems (always follow company security policies).

If your replacement is hired before you leave, offer to train them. Being a patient and helpful guide is a powerful final impression to make. It shows you're committed to the team's success, even as you're heading out.

Finally, maintain a positive attitude. Don't get drawn into complaining or criticising the company. Stay focused on your work and make a point of saying a proper goodbye to your colleagues. As you wrap things up and look to the future, staying organised is key. Using a tool like a job application tracker can be a lifesaver for managing your next steps during this busy transition.

Got Questions About Resigning in the UK? We've Got Answers

Knowing how to write a resignation letter is one thing, but what about all the practical and legal stuff that comes after? It's completely normal to have lingering questions about the nitty-gritty of leaving a job in the UK.

This section cuts through the noise to give you quick, clear answers. We'll cover everything from your holiday pay rights to whether your boss can actually say "no" to your notice, making sure you can walk away with confidence.

Can My Employer Refuse My Resignation?

In a word, no. Your employer cannot refuse your resignation. Handing in your notice is a unilateral decision—you're simply informing them that you're ending the employment contract.

As long as you give the correct notice period as laid out in your contract, your resignation is legally binding the moment they receive it. Their only job is to honour the terms of your departure, like paying you for your notice and any outstanding holiday.

What Happens to My Unused Holiday Pay?

You are legally entitled to be paid for any statutory holiday entitlement you've built up but haven't used by your last day. This payment should be included in your final payslip.

Practical matters like holiday pay can get complicated, so it's worth reading up on the specifics in this guide to understanding your holiday entitlement when leaving a job. It's also smart to double-check your contract for any specific clauses about company holiday entitlement that goes beyond the statutory minimum.

Can I Be Put on Garden Leave?

Yes, they can. If your employment contract includes a garden leave clause, your employer can ask you to stay home during your notice period. You'll still be employed and receive your full pay, but you won't be required to work or come into the office.

This isn't a punishment. Companies often use garden leave to protect sensitive information or client relationships, especially if you're moving to a competitor.

Keep in mind that while you're on garden leave, you are still technically employed. That means you can't start your new job until your notice period with your old company has officially ended.

Do I Need to Give a Reason for Leaving?

You have no legal obligation to give a reason for leaving in your resignation letter. A simple, professional statement that you are resigning is all that is legally required.

Most people add a line about pursuing a new opportunity as a professional courtesy, but that's your call. Knowing how to write a resignation letter is as much about what you leave out as what you put in, and keeping the reasons brief (or omitting them entirely) is often the smartest move.

Once you've handed in your notice, it's the perfect time to give your professional profiles a refresh. Check out our guide on how to optimise your LinkedIn profile to make sure it reflects your latest career move and attracts the right kind of attention.

--- At CV Anywhere, we simplify every stage of your career journey. From building a standout CV with our AI-powered tools to tracking applications and practising for interviews, our platform gives you the confidence to make your next move. Streamline your job search and land the role you deserve at https://cvanywhere.com.