How to write a resignation letter (with 4 UK templates)

Resigning is mostly a logistics problem. You're confirming your last day so HR can sort your final pay, your handover, and your P45. The letter itself is the smallest part of the job — but getting the tone right matters because it's often the last formal thing your manager has from you.

Here's what to put in it, what to leave out, and four templates you can adapt.

What every resignation letter needs

Only four things actually have to be there:

1. That you're resigning — clearly, in the first sentence.
2. The role you're resigning from — useful if HR are filing this against your record.
3. Your last day — calculated by counting your contractual notice period from the date you give the letter. If your contract says one month's notice and you hand the letter in on 1 May, your last day is 31 May (or the equivalent working day).
4. A short, polite sign-off — one line is plenty.

That's it. Anything beyond that is optional. You don't have to give a reason. You don't have to thank anyone if you don't want to. You don't need to praise the company.

What to leave out

Don't use your resignation letter to vent about anything. Even if you're leaving because of bad management, a toxic team, or unfair pay, the letter is going on file. Your future references and any internal "rehire" flag are influenced by how you exit. Save honest feedback for the exit interview (or skip the exit interview entirely — it's not compulsory).

Don't commit to specifics about what you'll do during your notice. "I'll do whatever's needed during the handover" is enough. You don't want to be on the hook for an unrealistic promise.

Template 1: The neutral standard

Use this when you're leaving for normal reasons (new role, new direction) and you have no axe to grind.

Dear [Manager's name],

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my role as [Job title]. In line with my contract, my notice period is [X weeks/months], making my last working day [date].

I'll do everything I can during the notice period to support a smooth handover.

Thank you for the opportunities I've had here.

Kind regards,
[Your name]

Template 2: Short and plain

Use this if you want absolutely the minimum and don't want to overstate your warmth.

Dear [Manager's name],

I'm writing to give notice of my resignation from my role as [Job title]. My last day will be [date], in line with my contractual notice period.

I'll work with you on a handover plan over the coming weeks.

Best regards,
[Your name]

Template 3: For a role you've enjoyed

Use this if you've had a genuinely good time and want to keep the door open for references or boomeranging back.

Dear [Manager's name],

It's with mixed feelings that I'm writing to give notice of my resignation from my role as [Job title]. My last day will be [date].

I've genuinely enjoyed my time here and I'm grateful for everything I've learned working with you and the team. I'll make sure my handover is thorough so the transition is as easy as possible.

Thank you again.

Best wishes,
[Your name]

Template 4: When you have a counter-offer

Use this if you want to leave space for negotiation but you're still serious about going. Don't use this as a bluff — if they don't come back with anything, you've still resigned.

Dear [Manager's name],

I'm writing to formally resign from my role as [Job title]. In line with my contract, my last working day will be [date].

I want to be open that I've accepted an offer for a role that better matches where I want to take my career next. If you'd like to discuss anything before the notice period begins, I'm happy to do that, but I wanted to be clear and formal about my intention to move on.

Thank you for your support.

Kind regards,
[Your name]

What happens after you send it

Your employer has to acknowledge the resignation in writing — usually within a day or two. They'll confirm your last day and lay out anything specific about handover, holiday balance, or returning equipment.

If your contract has a garden leave clause, they can ask you not to come in during the notice period (you still get paid). They can also waive part of your notice if they'd rather you left sooner — but they can't force you to leave early without paying you for the full notice period unless you've done something that justifies summary dismissal.

Once you've handed it in, take a quiet breath. The hard bit (deciding) is done.

Next: lining up what comes next

If you're resigning into a new role, your next steps are mostly admin. If you're resigning without one lined up, browse all UK jobs on Joboru by category and location, or check our career advice section for guides to the next steps.