A resignation email needs a clear subject, a direct statement of resignation and the notice and intended final date. Write it so the recipient can understand the decision without opening an attachment. Check your organisation's process before choosing email as the delivery method.
This guide focuses on email wording and delivery. For the wider UK process, use how to write a resignation letter. For a document version, use the formal letter layout.
Clear subject lines
Choose a neutral subject that identifies the purpose and sender:
- Resignation notice — [your name]
- Notice of resignation — [your name], [job title]
- Resignation letter — [your name]
Avoid vague subjects such as “An update” or dramatic wording that obscures the practical message. Check the email address carefully, particularly if your organisation has several people with similar names.
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Complete email template
Subject: Resignation notice — [your name]
Dear [manager's name],
I am writing to resign from my position as [job title] at [organisation]. I am giving [notice period] notice, with [date] as my intended final day of employment.
Thank you for the opportunity to work with the team. I will agree handover priorities with you and document my outstanding work during my remaining time.
Please confirm receipt of this email and the final employment date.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
This is original template wording, not a completed notice. Replace the fields with verified details. Do not copy a sample notice period or date into your own message without checking it.
If you are attaching a formal letter
Use the attachment to provide the document your organisation expects, while keeping the email body clear:
Dear [manager's name],
Please find attached my resignation letter from the role of [job title]. The letter gives [notice period] notice and states [date] as my intended final day of employment.
Please confirm that you have received the email and can open the attachment, and confirm the final employment date.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
Open the attachment before sending. Check that it is the final version, contains the correct name and dates, and does not include comments, tracked changes or unrelated pages. Use an ordinary descriptive filename, such as Name-Resignation-Letter.pdf, if that format is suitable for the recipient.
Before pressing send
- Check the recipient against the organisation's process. Do not copy the whole team by default.
- Verify the notice period and intended final date.
- Replace every placeholder and remove any drafting notes.
- Check the attachment, if used, and ensure it matches the body.
- Keep an appropriate record and ask for acknowledgement.
Acas guidance explains that a written record can help avoid disputes and suggests asking for confirmation of receipt. Follow your employment terms and seek advice where the circumstances are disputed.
If nobody acknowledges it
Follow up with the appropriate manager or HR contact and ask them to confirm receipt. Refer to the original sending date and message. Do not silently alter the dates in a replacement email or assume a read receipt settles every question about notice.
Keep follow-up wording factual:
I am following up on my resignation email sent on [date]. Please confirm that it was received and confirm the final employment date and handover contact.
Keep the handover separate
The resignation email records the departure; a handover document records the work. Avoid putting passwords, customer details or confidential project records into the notice or copying them to a personal account. Use approved internal locations and agreed access arrangements.
For a shorter body, adapt the short resignation wording. For a complete handover checklist, see formal resignation letters and handover planning.