Resignation letter template (UK)

A resignation letter needs exactly four things: the statement that you're resigning, your notice period, your last working day, and the date. Everything else is optional. Copy the template, fill the brackets, keep a copy.

The standard letter

[Your name]
[Your address]

[Date]

Dear [manager's name],

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my
position as [job title] at [company]. In line with my contract, I am
giving [X weeks'] notice, so my last day of employment will be
[date].

Please confirm my final pay date and the payment of any accrued but
untaken holiday.

Thank you for the opportunities during my time here. I will do
everything I can to hand my work over smoothly before I leave.

Yours sincerely,
[Your name]

Delivery: email to your manager (cc HR) is legally fine and creates its own record. The notice clock normally starts the day after they receive it.

Two variants

Resigning with immediate effect

Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position
as [job title], effective immediately. I recognise my contract provides
for [X weeks'] notice and I ask the company to agree to waive this. I
would be glad to discuss arrangements for handover.

Honest framing matters: you're asking to be released from notice, not pretending it doesn't exist. An employer could in principle claim losses for an unagreed early exit (rare, but real for senior roles). If you're leaving because of the employer's conduct, take advice before sending anything — wording can affect a constructive-dismissal claim.

Retirement

I am writing to let you know that I intend to retire, and this letter
is my formal notice of resignation. My last day of employment will be
[date], which allows for my contractual notice of [X weeks].

I would appreciate confirmation of the position on my remaining
holiday entitlement and pension arrangements.