Notice period
What it really means
How much warning you or your employer must give before ending the job — often one week during probation, then a month or more. You are usually expected to keep working through it. Check the figure in your contract.
Context, tips & common mistakes
Two notice periods exist side by side: the statutory minimum (short, and based on length of service) and whatever longer period your contract sets — the contract usually wins in practice, and a month is typical for office roles while senior jobs stretch to three or more. Resign in writing and keep a copy, because your notice starts when the employer receives it, and disputes about dates affect final pay. During notice you remain a normal employee: you accrue holiday, can take agreed leave, and must be paid as usual; employers sometimes prefer to pay you in lieu of notice (PILON) and end things immediately, which is lawful if the contract allows it.
Simply not turning up instead of working notice is a breach of contract — rarely sued over, but a reliable way to lose a reference. Check your new job's start date leaves room for your old job's notice; recruiters routinely underestimate this.