Does notice period length differ for resignation versus dismissal?

Often yes. In Germany, employees always give four weeks' notice when they resign, but employers must give more as tenure grows. In the UK, the statutory minimums are the same direction either way, though contracts frequently set longer periods for employer-initiated terminations.

Can a probationary employee be dismissed with less notice?

Usually. Most countries allow shorter notice during a probationary period. Germany, for example, allows two weeks' notice during probation (up to six months), compared with the standard four-week minimum afterwards. Always check local rules because the window varies.

What is garden leave?

Garden leave means the employee serves their notice period at home, on full pay, without working or contacting clients or colleagues. Employers use it to protect confidential information or client relationships. It is most common in the UK and some other common-law countries.

Are notice periods in a contract always enforceable?

They are, provided they meet or exceed the statutory minimum. A contractual notice period below the legal floor is void, and the statutory minimum applies instead. Some countries also limit how long a contractual notice period can be, particularly for junior staff.

Glossary

Notice period

The legally required time between giving notice to end employment and the employee's last working day, set by statute or contract, whichever is longer.

Reviewed by Teamed's in-house employment-law team·Last updated 24 June 2026

What is Notice period?

A notice period is the time that must pass between one party telling the other that employment is ending and the employee's final day of work. Every country sets a statutory minimum, but an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement can extend it further. The longer period always applies.

Statutory minimums vary widely. In the United Kingdom, the minimum is one week after one month of service, rising by one week per year of service up to 12 weeks. Germany sets four weeks as the base, extending to up to seven months for long-serving employees when the employer gives notice. France requires one to two months for non-managerial staff and three months for executives, with collective agreements often adding more. The Netherlands scales employer notice from one to four months based on tenure.

During the notice period, the employee typically continues to work and receive pay. Employers can sometimes pay in lieu of notice to end things immediately, provided the contract or local law permits it. Getting notice periods wrong can expose you to claims for wrongful termination or unpaid notice pay.

Who sets the notice period?

Both statute and contract play a role. The law in each country sets a floor you cannot go below. Your employment contract can set a longer period, and collective bargaining agreements in some countries, particularly France and Germany, can extend it further still.

When there is a conflict, the longer period wins. You should always check both the local statutory minimum and the contractual terms before ending someone's employment.

What happens if you do not serve the full notice period?

The party that cuts the notice short may owe compensation. If an employer dismisses someone without serving notice or paying in lieu, the employee can claim wrongful dismissal. If an employee leaves early, the employer may be able to recover losses, though enforcement is rare in practice.

Can you pay someone instead of having them work their notice?

Yes, in many countries. Payment in lieu of notice (PILON) lets you end employment immediately by paying the employee what they would have earned during the notice period. Whether this is permitted, and how it is taxed, depends on the country and the contract.

In the UK, PILON is subject to income tax and National Insurance if it is a contractual entitlement. Always check local rules before assuming PILON is straightforward.

How does a global employment model handle notice periods?

When you employ someone through a global employment platform, the platform employs the person in their home country and is responsible for following local notice-period rules. If you decide to end the arrangement, the platform calculates the correct notice or PILON required under local law and manages the offboarding process on your behalf.

Key facts

UK statutory minimum (employer): 1 week per year of service, up to 12 weeksApplies after 1 month of continuous employment. Employees must give at least 1 week's notice after 1 month of service.Source: Employment Rights Act 1996, GOV.UK· verified 2026-06-24
Germany statutory base (employer): 4 weeks, rising to 7 months for 20+ years' serviceTermination must take effect at month-end or the 15th. Probationary period notice is 2 weeks. Employee notice stays at 4 weeks regardless of tenure.Source: German Civil Code (BGB) § 622, via Winheller Employment Law· verified 2026-06-24
Netherlands employer notice (by tenure): 1 to 4 months, scaling with length of serviceLess than 5 years: 1 month. 5-10 years: 2 months. 10-15 years: 3 months. 15+ years: 4 months. Employee notice is typically 1 month.Source: EU Notice Periods by Country, thecalcora.com· verified 2026-06-24

Frequently asked questions

Does notice period length differ for resignation versus dismissal?
Often yes. In Germany, employees always give four weeks' notice when they resign, but employers must give more as tenure grows. In the UK, the statutory minimums are the same direction either way, though contracts frequently set longer periods for employer-initiated terminations.
Can a probationary employee be dismissed with less notice?
Usually. Most countries allow shorter notice during a probationary period. Germany, for example, allows two weeks' notice during probation (up to six months), compared with the standard four-week minimum afterwards. Always check local rules because the window varies.
What is garden leave?
Garden leave means the employee serves their notice period at home, on full pay, without working or contacting clients or colleagues. Employers use it to protect confidential information or client relationships. It is most common in the UK and some other common-law countries.
Are notice periods in a contract always enforceable?
They are, provided they meet or exceed the statutory minimum. A contractual notice period below the legal floor is void, and the statutory minimum applies instead. Some countries also limit how long a contractual notice period can be, particularly for junior staff.

Related terms

Note

This is general information, not legal advice. Statutory rules vary by country and change over time.

Glossary

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Last verified 2026-06-24