Sample resignation letter with reason UK (4 templates)
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In this guide, we will see some samples of resignation letters with reason in the UK and some useful tips when writing a standard resignation letter, what not to include or avoid in your letter and some samples you can use/modify at your convenience.
Sample resignation letter with reason UK
Sample resignation letters with reason in the UK can be found all over the internet and all the templates can potentially become the best resignation letter.
We know how resigning from a job is never an easy task and you would want to leave a good impression by writing a good resignation letter.
However, we also know not everyone will have a good or positive employment experience.
This is why you may have millions of reasons to leave your current job, some due to positive experiences and how you would like to invest more in your career elsewhere or simply because you didn’t get along with a colleague, your boss or the working environment was just not ideal.
If you have already had an informal discussion with your employer about your intention to leave, here are some tips on how you can write your resignation letter for any reason:
- Think about who you are addressing your letter to (e.g. Line manager, HR manager, etc.)
- Begin with your statement of intent to leave your current employment and job role.
- Always include the date your letter has been written (preferably in the top right-hand corner of your letter).
- Indicate your notice period (e.g. 1 month, 2weeks) and the date that will be your last day of work.
- Briefly indicate the reason for your departure such as personal reasons, new job opportunities, getting married and living abroad, etc.
- Thank your employer for the opportunity.
- Use a closing statement of your preference and write your signature at the bottom.
What not to include
By having a simple and straight to the point resignation letter you are ensuring not to burn any bridges with your (ex)employer.
Here are some tips on what to avoid including in your resignation letter:
- Avoid putting any negative context or reason that has contributed to your decision of leaving (e.g. an annoying colleague or not getting the pay raise you wanted). This could harm your relationship with your current employer and affect any potential employment relationships with new employers.
- Avoid writing a long letter with too much content. This needs to be straight to the point and your employer shouldn’t have to take a lot of time reading your letter. This is just the official and formal way of letting your employer know you are ending your employment.
- Sample resignation letter with reason UK (standard)
“[Insert your name]
[Insert your Address]
[Insert date]
[Insert Recipient name]
[Insert Title]
[Insert Organisation]
[Insert Address]
Dear [Insert manager’s name],
Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from the position of [insert job title] at [Insert Company].
As per the terms of my employment contract, I will continue to work for the company for the next [Insert notice period length], completing my employment on [Insert last day you intend to work].
I have enjoyed being a part of the team and am thankful for the opportunities you have given me during my time here. If there are any areas, in particular, you would like me to focus on during my notice period, please let me know.
I hope that I can rely on you for a positive reference in the future.
Yours sincerely
[Insert your name]”
You can find PDF and Word documents to download here.
- Sample resignation letter with reason UK (Basic)
“[Your Name]
[Address]
[Today’s Date]
[Name of Recipient]
[Address of Recipient]
Dear [Name of Recipient],
I am writing to formally inform you of my resignation from my position as [Job Title] at [Company Name]. In accordance with the period of notice agreed within my contract, my last day will be [date].
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of the opportunities presented to me within the period of my employment. I have enjoyed my time working at [Company Name], however, in the best interests of my career, I feel that the time is right to move on.
Finally, if there is anything I can do to ensure a smooth and efficient handover process, please do not hesitate to let me know.
I wish you all the very best for the future.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
______________ (signature)
[Your Name]”
You can find the document to be downloaded and printed here.
- Sample resignation letter with reason UK (New Job)
“[Your Name]
[Address]
[Today’s Date]
[Name of Recipient]
[Address of Recipient]
Dear [Name of Recipient],
This letter is to formally tender my resignation as [Job Title] at [Company Name], effective from [date]. This is in accordance with the [period of time] period agreed at my time of employment.
I have been offered a position with another company [disclosing the name of company optional], which I have accepted/feel is a positive move forward in my career.
I have enjoyed my time at [Company Name], and wish to take this opportunity to thank you for the help and guidance given to me over the last [period of employment]. I wish both you and the company all the best for your future endeavors.
Yours sincerely,
______________ (signature)
[Your Name]
You can find the document to be downloaded and printed here.
- Sample resignation letter with reason UK (New Job)
“(Insert Current date)
(Insert Manager’s name)
(Insert Company Name)
(Insert Company Address)
Dear (Insert Manager’s name)
Please accept this letter as formal notification of my resignation from (the position) at(company name). My last day with the company will be (date).
Before I leave, I will ensure that all my projects are completed as far as possible, and I am happy to assist in any way to ensure a smooth handover to my replacement.
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to work at (company) for (years of service). During this time I have thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere within the team, and I will miss our interactions.
While I am excited by the new opportunities that I will be pursuing in my new role, I will always remember my time at (company name) with affection. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information after I leave, and I would be delighted if you stay in touch.
Kind regards,
(Your signature)
(Your printed name)”
Free sample from roberthalf.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about sample resignation letter with reason UK
What do you write in a resignation letter in the UK?
You need to write in a resignation letter in the UK:
– State your intention for leaving.
– Your contractual notice period.
– Date of your last day of work.
– Briefly describe the reason why you are leaving.
– Thank your employer for the opportunity.
– Include a closing statement and your signature.
How do I write my resignation letter?
To write your resignation letter (without burning bridges) make sure to:
– Keep it professional, avoiding any negative comments or experiences.
– Keep it short and straight to the point.
– Provide the reason for leaving (briefly).
– Remain polite.
– Thank your employer for the opportunity.
– Offer your assistance (if possible) to make a smooth transition.
– Finish your resignation letter in an upbeat and positive tone.
Can I resign with immediate effect in the UK?
You can resign with immediate effect in the UK, meaning no notice is provided.
However, consider checking your contract first since you may be incurring in breaking your contractual agreement and you may get a penalty or your employer may sue you.
How do I write my notice at work?
You can write your notice at work after having a conversation with your immediate supervisor.
Your resignation letter should include a statement that clearly says you are leaving your current job, the last day you will work for your employer, the reason why you may be leaving (briefly with no negative/blaming comments), thank your employer, close and sign your letter.
How do you tell your boss you’re resigning?
You can tell your boss you are resigning:
– Requesting to meet in-person.
– Let your boss know briefly why you are quitting.
– Give them at least a 2-week notice so they can arrange to find a replacement.
– Offer your employer any assistance facilitating the transition.
– Express your gratitude for the time employed.
– Provide positive feedback.
– Hand in your formal letter request.
Recommended reading
- Everyday Letters for Busy People, Rev Ed: Hundreds of Samples You Can Adapt at a Moment’s Notice
- Resignation Letters: Tips and Samples for a Smooth Transition from This Job to the Next
- How to Write a Resignation Letter
- THE PERFECT RESIGNATION LETTER: I FIRED MY BOSS
Other sample resignation or leave letters
Below are some of the other resignation or leave letters we curated.
If you are looking for a job, you should also ideally start your job research on job websites such as Indeed.
| Immediate resignation letter due to illness |
| Immediate resignation letter due to personal reasons |
| Immediate resignation letter for new job |
References
Monster.co.uk: “Tips for writing a Standard resignation Letter”
Cheary, M. (n.d.) Resignation Letter Templates. Retrieved from reed.co.uk.
Half, R. (2019, Apr.) How to write a resignation letter. Retrieved from Roberthalf.co.uk.
