When an interviewer asks "What is your notice period?", they want to know how soon you could start. Answer with the notice your contract requires and a realistic start date, in one or two sentences: "My notice period is one month, so I could start on 1 December. I'd want to hand over properly, but I'm happy to ask about leaving a little earlier if that helps."
In the UK the question comes up in almost every recruiter call, because UK employment contracts usually set a notice period you have to work before you can start somewhere new. This guide covers what to say, the legal minimums as of October 2026, and how to handle negotiation.
Why do UK interviewers ask about your notice period?
- Planning. The hiring manager needs to know when the seat will be filled, and whether that fits a project or a team change.
- Comparing candidates. If two finalists are close, a much earlier start date can tip the decision, though rarely on its own.
- Checking reliability. An answer that respects your current contract tells them you would respect theirs.
It is a practical question, not a trap. A clear, accurate answer is all you need.
What is the legal minimum notice period in the UK?
In England, Scotland and Wales, GOV.UK says you must give at least a week's notice if you have been in your job for more than a month. Your contract can require more, and often does. The rule comes from section 86 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, which also sets the minimum notice an employer must give you. Northern Ireland has its own guidance on nidirect.
| Who gives notice | Length of service | Statutory minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Employee resigning | One month or more | One week (your contract can require more) |
| Employee resigning | Less than one month | None, if your contract or written statement sets no notice period (per Acas) |
| Employer dismissing | One month to under 2 years | One week |
| Employer dismissing | 2 to under 12 years | One week for each full year |
| Employer dismissing | 12 years or more | 12 weeks |
Employer minimums are from GOV.UK's notice periods guidance. GOV.UK also notes that your notice usually runs from the start of the day after you hand it in, and that you may be in breach of contract if you do not give enough notice. This is general information, not legal advice: your contract is what applies to you, and Acas can help with specific questions.
How do you answer "What is your notice period?"
- Check your contract first. Look for the notice clause and whether it changes after probation. Do not guess in the interview.
- State it plainly. "My notice period is four weeks."
- Turn it into a date. Count from when you could realistically resign, which is usually after you have a written offer and references are under way.
- Show professionalism. A brief nod to a proper handover reassures them you will do the same for them.
- Offer flexibility only if it is real. "I can ask whether my employer would release me earlier" is fine. Promising to walk out early is not.
Example answers for each situation (written by us)
| Your situation | Example answer |
|---|---|
| Standard one-month notice | "My notice period is one month. If I resigned on receiving an offer, I could start at the beginning of next month." |
| Three months' notice | "My contract has a three-month notice period. I'd plan a thorough handover, and I'd be happy to ask whether my manager would agree to an earlier release." |
| Still on probation | "I'm in my probation period, which has one week's notice, so I could start within a couple of weeks of an offer." |
| Not currently working | "I'm available immediately, and I could start as soon as your checks are complete." |
| Likely garden leave | "My notice is three months. In my sector, employers sometimes place leavers on garden leave, but I can't assume that, so I'd plan on the full three months." |
| Contractor or fixed term | "My current contract ends on 31 January, and I could start the following Monday." |
| Moving to the UK | "My notice in my current role is four weeks. Allowing for my visa and relocation, I'd expect to start in March, and I'll confirm dates as soon as the visa is decided." |
Can you leave before your notice period ends?
Only by agreement. Acas guidance on notice when resigning recommends discussing options that suit both sides and putting any agreement in writing. Options include:
- Agreeing a shorter notice period. Your employer does not have to agree, but many will if your handover is covered.
- Using holiday. Taking accrued leave instead of working part of your notice, if both sides agree.
- Payment in lieu of notice (PILON). The Employment Rights Act allows either side to waive notice or accept payment in lieu.
- Garden leave. According to GOV.UK, your employer may ask you not to come into work, or to work elsewhere, during your notice period; you get the same pay and contractual benefits. You are still employed during your notice period, so check your contract before agreeing a start date elsewhere.
Leaving without agreement is likely to be a breach of contract, and it can affect your final pay and your reference. That is a poor way to start a new job, so give your new employer a date you can keep.
Mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating your notice. Saying "two weeks" when your contract says a month creates a problem at offer stage.
- Resigning before a written offer. Wait for the written offer, and check whether it is conditional on references or right-to-work checks.
- Apologising for a long notice period. Longer notice is common in senior roles, and employers plan for it.
- Overpromising. "I can start whenever you like" sounds keen but raises questions about how you would treat them.
Practise the practical questions too
Notice period, salary and right-to-work questions often come together in the first recruiter call. Rehearse all three until each is one clear sentence. CoPilot Interview's Mock Interview builds a practice interview from your CV and the job description and scores each spoken answer out of 10 with what to fix and a model answer; the free plan includes 15 minutes a day with no account. Pair this guide with how to answer salary expectations in the UK, why are you leaving your current job, and our UK job interview tips hub. If you need sponsorship, read visa sponsorship interview questions.
Get the practical questions right first time
Rehearse notice period, salary and motivation answers out loud. Mock Interview scores each answer out of 10 with a model answer. 15 free minutes a day, no account needed.
Try a free AI mock interviewFAQ
What is the minimum notice period in the UK?
If you have been in your job for more than a month, you must give at least one week's notice, according to GOV.UK. Your contract can require more, and its terms apply to you.
What is a normal notice period in the UK?
It depends on your contract and seniority. Many roles have longer notice than the one-week legal minimum, and senior roles often carry longer notice. Check your own contract before you answer.
Should I tell an interviewer my real notice period?
Yes. Give the notice your contract requires and a realistic start date. Understating it causes problems at offer stage and can damage trust.
Can I negotiate my notice period with my current employer?
You can ask. Acas recommends discussing options that suit both sides and putting any agreement in writing. Your employer does not have to agree.
What does garden leave mean?
GOV.UK describes garden leave as your employer asking you not to come into work, or to work at home or elsewhere, during your notice period, while you keep the same pay and contractual benefits.
What if I am on probation?
Probation periods may have different notice terms, so check your contract. If you have worked less than a month and no notice is set, Acas says you do not have to give any.