✅
Free Compliance Tool
UK Employment Exit Checklist
Everything you need to do before leaving your job to protect your interests and ensure a smooth exit. This interactive checklist covers understanding your contract, calculating notice periods, requesting references, confirming final pay, handling company property, and protecting your future employment rights. This checklist covers 42 essential exit tasks. The resignation letter template handles the formal notice automatically.
Interactive checklist • Save progress • Download as PDF • Full version unlocks free with email
Or skip the checklist — use our resignation letter template for £10 →
Or skip the checklist — use our resignation letter template for £10 →
How to Use This Checklist
Click each checkbox to mark items as complete. Your progress is automatically saved to your browser. Use this checklist before submitting your resignation, during your notice period, and after you leave.
✅ Your Employment Exit Journey
1. Before resigning: Review contract, understand restrictions, plan finances
2. Writing resignation: Include all key requests (reference, holiday pay, P45)
3. During notice: Handover work, maintain relationships, prepare documentation
4. After leaving: Verify final payments, collect references, update records
⚠️ Critical Points Before You Resign
📋 Check Notice Period: Typically 1 week to 3 months depending on contract and role. Leaving early without agreement = breach of contract.
💸 Understand Pay Impact: Final salary, accrued holiday pay, outstanding commission, pro-rata bonuses.
⛔ Review Restrictions: Non-compete clauses, client restrictions, confidentiality obligations that continue after employment.
💼 Secure Reference: Request written reference before or during notice period while relationship is good.
📝 Document Everything: Keep copies of contracts, payslips, performance reviews, correspondence about exit terms.
🚫 Common Resignation Mistakes?CRITICAL: Not checking notice period = breach of contract (employer can sue for damages). Forgetting holiday pay = losing money you earned. Not requesting reference = harder to get one later. Taking company data = potential criminal offence. Missing P45 = wrong tax code at new job.
Leaving Without Proper Notice: Giving 2 weeks when contract requires 3 months. Can result in legal action for damages. Missing Holiday Pay: Forgetting to confirm accrued holiday entitlement. You lose money you've earned. No Reference Request: Assuming you'll get one automatically. Secure written reference before leaving. Ignoring Restrictions: Not checking non-compete or confidentiality clauses. Could face injunction or damages claim at new job. P45 Delays: Not chasing your P45 promptly. Results in emergency tax code and overpaying tax.
🔵 Understanding Importance Levels
🔴 Critical: Must do — affects your money, rights, or future employment
🟡 Important: Should do — protects your interests and relationships
🔵 Recommended: Nice to have — makes exit smoother and more professional
UK Employment Exit Checklist
42 Points | www.templatesuk.com
1. Before You Resign (8 items)
Review Employment Contract?Find your contract (ask HR if you've lost it). Check: notice period (1 week to 3 months typical), garden leave clause (paid to stay home during notice), restrictive covenants (where you can work next), training cost repayment (if you leave within X months), bonus clawback (repay bonus if you leave mid-year).
Locate your employment contract and read it thoroughly. Focus on notice period, restrictive covenants (non-compete, client restrictions), garden leave provisions, training cost repayment clauses, and bonus/commission terms.
🔴 Critical
Calculate Notice Period
Determine your required notice period from your contract. If contract is silent, statutory minimum applies: 1 week if employed 1 month to 2 years, 1 week per year of service (max 12 weeks) if over 2 years. Giving less = breach of contract.
🔴 Critical
Check Holiday Entitlement?Calculate: Statutory minimum 5.6 weeks (28 days for full-time) pro-rated for part-year. Example: You've worked 6 months of the year = 14 days accrued. Used 10 days = 4 days owed. Check payslip or ask HR for exact figure. This is money you've earned - don't lose it.
Calculate your accrued but unused holiday entitlement. Check your payslips or HR system for current balance. Statutory minimum is 5.6 weeks per year (28 days full-time) pro-rated. You're entitled to payment for unused holiday when you leave.
🔴 Critical
Review Restrictive Covenants?Common restrictions: Non-compete (can't work for competitor for 3-12 months), Non-solicitation (can't contact clients for 6-12 months), Non-poaching (can't recruit colleagues for 6-12 months). Unreasonable restrictions are unenforceable, but employer can still sue. If joining competitor, get legal advice.
Identify any post-employment restrictions in your contract: non-compete clauses (where you can work), client restrictions (who you can contact), confidentiality obligations. These continue after employment ends. Understand what you can and cannot do at your next job.
🔴 Critical
Check Outstanding Pay Entitlements
Review what you're owed: final salary (pro-rata for partial month), commission on deals closed, bonuses (check if forfeited on resignation), overtime pay, expenses not yet reimbursed. Calculate total expected in final pay. This helps verify your final payslip.
🔴 Critical
Review Pension Situation?Options: (1) Transfer to new employer's scheme (usually best), (2) Transfer to personal pension, (3) Leave it where it is (small pot only). Don't cash it out - huge tax penalty. Get transfer value from current provider. New employer can arrange transfer. Takes 4-8 weeks typically.
Check your workplace pension: current value, transfer options, employer contribution during notice period. Decide whether to transfer to new employer's scheme or personal pension. Contact pension provider for transfer forms. Don't lose employer contributions by acting too late.
🟡 Important
Note Share Options / Equity
If you have share options or equity: check vesting schedule (how many shares are yours), exercise window (deadline to buy), tax implications (income tax on gain), company policy on leavers. Some options expire when you leave. Get advice if significant value involved.
🟡 Important
Secure New Job Offer in Writing?CRITICAL: Get written job offer before resigning. Verbal promises don't count. Offer should state: start date, salary, benefits, notice period from new employer. Don't hand in resignation until you have written offer. Even "guaranteed" jobs can fall through (budget cuts, hiring freezes).
Before resigning, ensure you have a written job offer from your new employer. Verbal promises are not sufficient. The offer should confirm start date, salary, and terms. Don't resign based on expectation - secure the next job first unless you have other plans.
🔴 Critical
2. Writing Your Resignation Letter (6 items)
Include Formal Resignation Statement
Open with clear resignation statement: "Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]." This creates an unambiguous record of your resignation. Date the letter and keep a copy.
🔴 Critical
State Notice Period & Last Day?Example: "In accordance with my contract, I am providing 4 weeks notice. My last working day will be Friday 21 February 2026." Always count working days, not calendar days. If notice period ends mid-week, state the actual last day. Employer may ask you to leave earlier (garden leave) but must pay you.
Specify your contractual notice period and calculate your exact last working day. Example: "I am providing [X weeks] notice. My last working day will be [Date]." This prevents disputes about end date. Employer can ask you to leave earlier but must pay you for notice period.
🔴 Critical
Request Holiday Pay Confirmation
Include in letter: "Please confirm my accrued holiday entitlement of approximately [X days] and advise whether this will be taken during my notice period or paid in my final salary." This creates written record and prevents disputes about owed holiday pay.
🔴 Critical
Request Written Reference?Include: "I would be grateful if you could provide a written reference for future employment purposes." Most employers only give basic reference (dates, job title) unless you request more. Requesting during resignation increases chances of good reference. If refused, at least you have record of asking.
State in resignation letter: "I would be grateful if you could provide a written reference for future employment purposes." This creates formal request while relationship is still good. If employer refuses or delays, you have written record of request.
🟡 Important
Request P45 & Final Pay Details
Include: "Please arrange for my P45 to be issued promptly following my last working day, and confirm the date my final salary will be paid." P45 is critical for new employer to apply correct tax code. Delays cause emergency tax and overpayment.
🔴 Critical
Mention Company Property Return
State: "I confirm I will return all company property including [laptop/phone/keys/ID badge/uniform] on my last working day." This creates clear record and prevents disputes. List specific items to avoid confusion. Failure to return can delay final pay.
🟡 Important
⚡
Instant Download
You've Done the Research. Now Finish It.
Complete resignation letter template — all required sections included, professionally drafted.
Fill in your details in minutes and you're done.
£10 — Own It Forever
Create Your Resignation Letter Now
→
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee*
Preview before you buy • Lifetime updates • No subscription
🔓 22 More Exit Points Locked
Enter your email to continue FREE, or skip the checklist and get the template.
3. During Notice Period (8 items)
Document Current Responsibilities?Create list: Daily tasks, weekly tasks, monthly responsibilities, key contacts (clients, suppliers), passwords (not personal email!), important files locations, ongoing projects status, deadlines. Share with manager. Shows professionalism. Protects you if issues arise after you leave ("wasn't documented").
Create comprehensive documentation of your role: daily tasks, key contacts, important files, ongoing projects, passwords (work-related only), processes you manage. Share with your manager and replacement. This protects you from being blamed for issues after you leave.
🟡 Important
Complete Outstanding Work
Finish high-priority projects, close pending tasks, hand over work-in-progress with clear status notes. Leave things in good order. This maintains your professional reputation and may affect your reference. Don't leave colleagues in difficult position.
🟡 Important
Train Replacement if Applicable?Structured handover: Week 1 - shadow you, observe tasks. Week 2 - they try tasks, you supervise. Week 3 - they work independently, you're available for questions. Create written guides for complex processes. Introduce them to key contacts. Document any quirks or workarounds they need to know.
If employer has hired your replacement, provide thorough training during your notice period. Explain processes, introduce key contacts, highlight potential issues. Create handover notes for anything not obvious. Professional handover benefits everyone.
🔵 Recommended
Maintain Professional Relationships
Continue working professionally until your last day. Don't burn bridges - industries are small, people move around. Your current colleagues could be future clients, references, or even employers. Keep communications positive and constructive.
🟡 Important
Back Up Personal Files Only?What you CAN take: Personal documents (your own CV, certificates), personal photos/emails clearly marked as personal. What you CANNOT take: Client data, company documents, templates, price lists, supplier contacts, strategies, financial info, colleague data. Taking company data = potential criminal offence (Computer Misuse Act, GDPR breach). Use personal email only.
Back up only your personal files - your own CV, certificates, personal emails clearly marked as personal. Do NOT copy company data, client information, templates, or business documents. Taking company data can be a criminal offence (Computer Misuse Act) and GDPR breach.
🔴 Critical
Collect Personal Belongings Gradually
Start taking home personal items (photos, decorations, personal books) during notice period to avoid suspicious last-day box-packing. Leave professional to the end. This reduces awkwardness on final day and prevents appearance of data theft.
🔵 Recommended
Get Colleagues Personal Contact Details
Exchange personal email addresses and LinkedIn profiles with colleagues you want to stay in touch with. Use personal email, not company email. Do this during notice period, not on last day. Maintain professional network for future opportunities.
🔵 Recommended
Confirm Exit Interview Details?Exit interview purpose: HR gathers feedback, identifies problems, improves retention. You don't have to attend, but usually recommended. What to say: Be constructive, not critical. "The role wasn't right for my career goals" not "My manager was terrible". Don't burn bridges - they might be asked for reference later.
If employer offers exit interview, decide whether to attend. It's optional but can be useful for giving constructive feedback. Be professional - avoid criticism that could harm reference. Focus on career development reasons for leaving rather than complaints.
🔵 Recommended
4. Final Week Tasks (7 items)
Submit Final Expense Claims
Submit all outstanding expense claims at least 1 week before leaving. Gather receipts, complete forms, get manager approval. Expenses claimed after you leave are harder to recover. Some employers refuse to pay expenses submitted post-departure.
🔴 Critical
Prepare Company Property List?Common company property: Laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, phone, chargers, headphones, ID badge, access cards, office keys, uniform, company credit card, parking permit, security pass, equipment (tools, samples), stationery. Check contract for full list. Missing items may be deducted from final pay.
Create inventory of all company property in your possession: laptop, phone, ID badge, keys, access cards, uniform, equipment, company credit card, parking permit. Prepare to return everything on last day. Missing items can be deducted from final pay.
🔴 Critical
Delete Personal Data from Devices
Remove personal bookmarks, personal files, personal emails (if using company email for personal use), saved passwords for personal accounts. Leave work content intact. Wipe company phone if you've used it for personal texts/photos.
🟡 Important
Update Out-of-Office & Email Forwarding?Set up auto-reply: "I have left [Company]. For [type of query], please contact [colleague]. For general queries, email [team email]." Ask IT to forward your emails to manager/replacement for 1-3 months. Prevents client confusion. Shows professionalism. Protects company relationships you built.
Set up out-of-office message for your last day directing contacts to appropriate colleagues. Ask IT to forward your company email to your replacement or manager for 1-3 months. This prevents clients being ignored and maintains business continuity.
🟡 Important
Notify Clients if Appropriate
If you manage client relationships, ask manager how to handle transition. Usually: "I'm moving on. [Colleague] will now be your contact. They're excellent and I've briefed them fully." Keep brief and professional. Don't criticise company or poach clients.
🔵 Recommended
Cancel Building Access & Subscriptions
Notify facilities about your last day for: building access, car park permit, gym membership, season ticket loans, any subscriptions in your name. Return access cards, fobs, keys. Prevents being charged for services after you leave.
🔵 Recommended
Update Emergency Contact Details?Inform HR: Change emergency contact from "work colleague" to personal contact (family/friend), update address if moving, update phone number if changing, update GP details if changing surgery. This prevents company contacting wrong people if pension/P60/reference needed later.
Update HR records with personal contact details for post-employment correspondence: personal email, personal phone, new address if you're moving. They'll need to contact you about P60, pension transfers, references. Ensure they have correct details.
🟡 Important
⚡
Instant Download
You've Done the Research. Now Finish It.
Complete resignation letter template — all required sections included, professionally drafted.
Fill in your details in minutes and you're done.
£10 — Own It Forever
Create Your Resignation Letter Now
→
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee*
Preview before you buy • Lifetime updates • No subscription
5. On Your Last Day (6 items)
Return All Company Property
Hand in all company property to HR or manager: laptop, phone, chargers, ID badge, keys, access cards, uniform, equipment, company credit card, parking permit. Get signed receipt confirming return. This protects you from claims you kept items.
🔴 Critical
Collect Personal Belongings?Don't forget: Personal photos/decorations from desk, personal books/certificates, lunch containers, personal stationery, gym gear if you use company gym, umbrella/coat from locker, bike if you cycle, personal food from fridge. Check drawers, lockers, car parking space. You can't come back later.
Collect all personal items from your desk, locker, car parking space: photos, decorations, personal books, lunch items, personal stationery, gym gear, bike if applicable. Check drawers and storage. You typically cannot return after your last day.
🟡 Important
Confirm P45 & Final Pay Timeline
Ask HR: "When will my P45 be issued?" (should be promptly after last day) and "When will final salary be paid?" (usually next normal pay date). Get this in writing if possible. This prevents confusion and allows you to chase if delayed.
🔴 Critical
Say Professional Goodbyes
Thank your manager and colleagues professionally. Keep it brief and positive. Avoid long speeches or emotional goodbyes that make others uncomfortable. Leave on good terms - you may need references or encounter these people again in future roles.
🔵 Recommended
Complete Exit Paperwork?HR exit checklist usually includes: Confirm return of property, sign confidentiality reminder, confirm post-employment restrictions, provide forwarding address, confirm final pay details, complete exit interview form, sign off on expense claims, cancel direct debits for salary sacrifice schemes.
Complete any HR exit forms: property return confirmation, forwarding address, confidentiality reminder, post-employment restrictions acknowledgement. Sign off on final expense claims. This creates clean break and prevents later disputes.
🟡 Important
Get Copy of Final Documents
Request copies of: final payslip, property return receipt, exit interview notes, any settlement agreement. Keep these for your records. They may be needed for disputes, benefits claims, or proving employment dates to future employers.
🔵 Recommended
6. After You Leave (7 items)
Check Final Payslip for Accuracy?Verify: Pro-rata salary (correct days worked), holiday pay (matches calculation), outstanding commission, expenses reimbursed, pension contributions during notice, correct tax code, no unexpected deductions. Common errors: Wrong holiday pay calculation, commission not paid, expenses forgotten. Contact payroll immediately if wrong.
When final pay arrives, check payslip carefully: correct pro-rata salary for days worked, holiday pay included, outstanding commission/bonuses, expenses reimbursed, correct tax deductions. Challenge errors immediately - harder to resolve later.
🔴 Critical
Ensure P45 Received
P45 should arrive within a few days of leaving. If not received within 2 weeks, chase HR. You NEED P45 for new employer to apply correct tax code. Without it, new employer uses emergency tax code and you overpay tax.
🔴 Critical
Follow Up on Reference if Needed?If you requested reference in resignation letter and haven't received it within 4 weeks, politely chase. Email: "Following my resignation, I requested a reference. Could you please confirm when this will be available?" If still refused, use settlement agreement to negotiate. Basic reference (dates, job title) is better than nothing.
If you requested written reference and haven't received it, follow up with HR after 2-4 weeks. Polite email: "I requested a reference on [date]. Could you confirm when this will be available?" Get reference before you need it for new job.
🟡 Important
Update LinkedIn After Starting New Job
Wait until AFTER you start your new job to update LinkedIn. Announcing new role before you start can backfire if offer is withdrawn. Update profile on day 1 or after probation passed. Keep old employer announcement professional and brief.
🔵 Recommended
Chase Pension Transfer if Delayed?Pension transfer timeline: Request forms (1-2 weeks), complete forms (you do this), transfer value calculated (2-4 weeks), funds transferred (4-8 weeks). Total: 2-3 months typical. If 3+ months, chase pension provider. Don't let small pensions sit forgotten - consolidate them.
If you're transferring your pension, the process can take 2-3 months. If no progress after 3 months, contact both pension providers (old and new) to chase. Don't let pension transfers drift - they can get lost in system.
🟡 Important
Update Professional Registrations
If you have professional memberships or registrations (solicitor, accountant, medical, teaching): update employer details with regulatory body, update CPD records, transfer professional indemnity insurance if applicable. Prevents registration lapsing.
🔵 Recommended
Keep Employment Records Safe
Store safely: employment contract, all payslips, P45, P60s, pension statements, reference letter, exit interview notes, resignation letter copy, final settlement confirmation. You may need these for: future job applications, mortgage applications, benefit claims, employment tribunals, pension queries. From 1 January 2027, employees with 6 months' continuous service (down from 2 years) will be able to bring unfair dismissal claims, and compensation awards are uncapped (Employment Rights Act 2025).
🟡 Important
A free tool provided by 
www.templatesuk.com
www.templatesuk.com
⚡
Instant Download
You've Done the Research. Now Finish It.
Complete resignation letter template — all required sections included, professionally drafted.
Fill in your details in minutes and you're done.
£10 — Own It Forever
Create Your Resignation Letter Now
→
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee*
Preview before you buy • Lifetime updates • No subscription
Next Steps
Now that you've reviewed the exit checklist, you have two options:
✅ Use Our Ready-Made Template
Create your resignation letter with our professionally drafted template. Includes all 42 essential sections: formal resignation, notice period, holiday pay request, reference request, P45 confirmation, and company property return. Available in both Smart Interview (guided) and Classic Editor (direct editing) modes for just £10. Preview the full template with watermark before you buy. Get the template →
📝 Write Your Own Resignation
Use this checklist as your guide, but remember common mistakes can cost you — e.g. not stating notice period clearly means disputes about last day, forgetting holiday pay request means losing money you earned, missing P45 request means emergency tax at new job.
Looking for more free legal tools?
Explore the full guide:
Free Legal Checklists UK — What's Actually Free?
Disclaimer: This checklist is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or employment advice. Employment situations vary - if you face complex circumstances, unusual contract terms, or disputes, consider professional advice. Last updated: May 2026.