FAQs

How much notice do I need to give a leaver?

The statutory notice period in the UK depends on how long an employee has worked for their employer:

1 month to 2 years: At least one week’s notice
2 to 12 years: One week’s notice for each year of service, up to a maximum of 12 weeks
12 years or more: 12 weeks’ notice

Contractual notice: You must follow the contract specifying a longer notice period.

For free managers guides and templates – Termination Guide and template & resignation acceptance letter template (Support section) 👉 – https://breathingspacehr.co.uk/how-to-hr/

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Other questions we get asked about Support

HR admin takes too much time. How can we streamline it?

Adopt an HRIS for leave, records, and documents; standardise templates; and automate onboarding/offboarding checklists and reminders. Call Breathing Space as we provide Admin support!

An employee’s been absent for a while. What should we do?

Keep in touch sensitively, hold review meetings, seek medical/Occupational Health advice. Consider reasonable adjustments, and follow your absence/capability policy. Treat long-term sickness fairly and consistently.

An employee has raised a grievance. What’s the process?

Acknowledge promptly Investigate impartially Hold a grievance meeting (allow a companion), decide and confirm in writing, and offer an appeal. Keep clear records and timeframes.

If an employee is suspended pending investigation and they produce a fit note saying work related stress which process do I now follow?

You continue the suspension process, as a fit note for work-related stress does not override the suspension. However, you should acknowledge the fit note, offer support, and manage the investigation sensitively.

Disciplinaries and grievances feel constant. How do we reduce them?

Invest in manager training, set clear expectations, keep documentation tidy, and resolve issues informally where appropriate. Consistency and early intervention prevent escalation.

Does an employee have to get signed back to work if they have been signed off by a Dr?

No, an employee doesn’t need to be signed back to work by a doctor unless their employer specifically requires it, such as for health and safety reasons. Fitness to work should be discussed at the return to work meeting.

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From holiday calculations and maternity leave to redundancy and grievance management

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