Writing a letter resigning from your job – 6 key tips for employees

Direct 2 Lawyers
September 20, 2012

If you’re thinking about resigning from your job then it can be a confusing and stressful time for you, depending on the reason that you’re resigning. If you’re resigning from your job because, for example, you’re being bullied or harassed then you’ll want to inform your employer of your resignation in a manner that clearly informs them of your decision to resign but also protects your legal position (for the purposes of employment law) in the future (for example if you’re thinking about submitting a claim for discrimination or harassment). This post therefore offers 6 key tips for drafting your letter of resignation as well as a free letter of resignation template that you can download, complete and submit to your employer.

Sit down and think about why you want to leave your job
Write down, in bullet point format, the reasons why you want to leave your job
Download a copy of a resignation letter example
Put these reasons (again in bullet points) in your resignation letter
Send your resignation letter by email to your line manager
Submit a grievance (if applicable)

Sit down and think about why you want to leave your job

If you’re having a bad time at work have a think about whether you want to leave and why you want to leave your job. Don’t make any rash decisions – terminating your contract of employment is an important step and you’ve got to be absolutely sure it’s the right step in your circumstances. Talking to a family member or friend may help you get an objective view on why you want to leave. If you’re leaving your job because you’ve got a better job offer somewhere else the above step may not be necessary.

Write down, in bullet point format, the reasons why you want to leave your job

Using a word processer program on your computer write down, in bullet point format, what’s causing you to leave your job. Keep this clear, concise and unambiguous.

Download a copy of a resignation letter example

You can either draft your letter of resignation from scratch or use a resignation letter template on the internet. If you want to use a template then please feel free to use the below resignation letter example to draft your letter of resignation.

Free letter of resignation template

Put these reasons (again in bullet points) in your resignation letter

Put the bullet points you’ve drafted into your (downloaded) resignation letter. Complete the resignation letter. Make sure that you put the exact date of when you intend to terminate your contract of employment and whether you are resigning with or without notice.

Send your resignation letter by email to your line manager

Make sure that you’re happy with the drafting of your letter of resignation and send it to a responsible person in your organisation – your line manager, for example. If you’re experiencing problems with your line manager then send it to another responsible person – a Human Resources representative, for example. Make sure that you send your letter of resignation by email – that way you can be sure that it’s been received and you can prove when you sent it and how.

Submit a grievance (if applicable)

If you’ve experienced a bad time at work in the recent past then you may want to submit a formal grievance to gain some form of redress and potentially stop others suffering the way you have. You can use the grievance letter template below to do so.

Direct 2 Lawyers offer free employment law advice for employers and free employment law advice for employees. The specialist employment solicitors that they use offer employment law advice to both employers and employees