How much notice do I have to give when I resign?

The notice period is set by your employment agreement, and if it is silent, the law implies a reasonable notice period. You should give notice in writing and work out the period unless the employer agrees to a shorter time. If you leave without giving the required notice, the employer may claim damages for its actual loss, but it cannot simply withhold your final pay, and the Wages Protection Act 1983 restricts deductions without your written consent. Your annual leave entitlements and any accrued pay must still be paid on termination under the Holidays Act 2003. If you want to leave early, negotiate with your employer, ideally in writing, offering a handover or taking annual leave during the notice period. An employer sometimes agrees to shorten it if the change is well managed.