As soon as you make up your mind to leave your job, you start wondering how to resign from a UK job. In this post, I'm going to share the complete details and steps you need to follow. 

Resigning from a job isn't as simple as hand in a notice letter. Job resignation involves certain aspects about which you should have a clear idea. You can't overlook those aspects because resigning from the job isn't only about leaving a job you are not interested in doing anymore, but it's more about:

• Keeping your network alive
• Leaving a workplace where colleagues don't badmouth you but they well-praised your skills
• Maintaining your reputation
• leaving your old employer on a good note because you need his reference later

I know it sounds a bit tricky at first, but I'm going to explain every step that helps you resign from your UK job effortlessly.

Arrange a Private Meeting With your Employer

Always arrange a private meeting where you need to tell your manager that you are leaving. He will ask why: You don't need to answer that legally. If you are leaving a company for its competitor, try not to tell that in your meeting. 

 However, if you want to negotiate a deal with your manager, it's the right time. You can give a resignation letter and tell them that you don't enjoy it here because no training or development courses are here.  

What if you have a job offer? Don't explain it in a meeting; add those details in your letter of Resignation.

• As I said before, when you want to sit at the table for negotiation, then only reveal those details that make your employer think of a fair offer.
• Don't talk too much or provide unnecessary details of your new job offer. It will annoy your manager and make you leave a job on the wrong note - this situation backfires, so be careful. 
• I suggest writing it all down what to say and what not to say in your private meeting with the manager.
• Don't say that I hate it here or I don't like my boss.
• Many people make mistakes. Once they plan to leave a job, they start talking about it with their colleagues. And the worst part is when they say they are leaving a job because they are unhappy.
• You should beware of office politics. Resignation is a complicated matter, so don't talk about it openly with anyone. Never share its detail with your colleagues unless he is your confidant. 

Write a Resignation Letter

You can verbally inform your employer that you are leaving this job, but it's not enough. You will have to deal with the formal aspect of this notice as well. Therefore, you will write a resignation letter. 

Once you have informed a manager that you are letting them go, draft an official letter and give it to him. You can't take back a resignation letter as soon as you submit it (without getting permission from your employer). This letter becomes a part of your employment history, and your boss will keep him in the record. So, give it only when you are ready. 

Don't know how to write it? I got you covered - Check The best ways to write a Letter of Resignation UK.

What to Do with Counter Offer?

Every employer doesn't want to let go of his excellent employee. If you are a good employee who has been working there for the last three to five years, certainly he would come up with a counteroffer.

This offer might be a pay raise or some perks. In case you make it clear during the meeting that you would be interested in training and proposal might have promises of its provision. 

Consider this counteroffer and ask yourself do you want to stay on this job? You might be leaving because the job doesn't satisfy you. Some people feel stuck on the job as their career isn't enjoying their expected leap. 

You can evaluate this offer, but if it's not good enough to keep you in this job, then ignore it and continue with your job resignation decision.

Don't feel bad. You know what's the best for you, and you need to do whatever it takes to move up on the career ladder. 

Understand Notice Period

Your final decision is to resign. Okay. Submit your letter of Resignation and step into your notice period. You must have a complete understanding of this period. It's the amount of time you need to keep working for a company until they find your replacement. 

The notice period's length is often decided in the contract, known as the contractual notice period.

What if there is no clause of this period in your contract? It would help if you went Statutory notice period- which are set according to government standards for almost every industry.

Know the main Difference Between Permanent and Fixed Term Contracts

If you have been working for one month, you need to give your employer one week's notice. When a professional is doing a job for more than one year, he needs to notice two weeks to his employer. Every new year will add one week to the period. Like if you have been working for four years, your notice period is four weeks.

What if you want to leave early for the next job? In that case, you will negotiate your notice period with your employer. Although this period is a part of a permanent employment contract, you can set some terms per your needs when you have a good relationship with your employer.

How to Negotiate Your Notice Period

When you are interested to know how to resign from a job, you better understand the best ways to negotiate a notice period as per your requirements.

In case you don't want to work during the notice period or want to leave this job early, you can negotiate with your boss. For this purpose, you need a bargaining chip available in the form of your annual pay and gardening leave.

1. Gardening Leave: If you are leaving this job because you have an offer from a competitor, mention it in your job, and you won't have to work during the notice period. Understand the whole concept of Gardening Leave in UK. Don't worry; you will get paid during this leave.
2. Annual Leave: Another best bargaining chip to cut short your notice period is to request your employee that your annual leave can be offset against your notice period. For example, if there is an outstanding leave of one week and your notice period is three weeks. He would ask you to come work for you for only two weeks.

Compromise Agreement

When you have to negotiate a complicated resigning situation or a more extended notice period, it's time to sign a compromise agreement. This is a freshly drafted legal document that would provide terms of your departure.

• You need to bring some arguments for this legal document. 
• Be friendly and tell your employer that you would be staying in contact even after leaving the job.
• Explain how quickly you can train your replacement
• Talk about your outstanding annual leave and holiday pay.
• Bring as many bargaining chips as you can to draft a compromise agreement that meets your requirements.

Transition Planning with Your Employer

People want to know how to resign from a job in the UK because they have concerns about the transition phase. So, let's get some details.

Don't Forget to Check Transition Plan Template

As you are leaving this job, you will work during your notice period. And someone else will come to join the company. Honestly, it's a bit awkward to leave all your projects and handover to someone who has the same skills as you have. For some people, this transition is tough. Try to take it easy, and don't be overwhelmed with the idea.

You need to welcome a new replacement and train him for this job. If you are not on gardening leave, you will probably help recruits in your career. Make a plan and try to train new employees quickly. 

You can tell your colleagues that you are leaving, and don't forget to share your contact details. Keep your network alive as good networks pop up valuable job opportunities. 

Sit with your employer and ask him what else you can do to make this transition easier for him. When you are a valuable resource, employers will expect more from you. Give him what you can at your best to resign from a job while keeping the back door open for you.

It's vital to know that you might have to give up your old contacts, clients, and projects. When you have a long-term relationship, it would be a bit hard to let go. Your existing employer won't let you take all that with you. 

Please Know the best way to Write a Perfect Goodbye to Old Clients After a new job

The boss might restrict your access to specific projects once you send its summary. Remember, it's a tough time and phase to switch to a better time. Don't lose your temper; stay patient. 

Serve your Notice Professionally

Once all terms are clear, an agreement is signed. It's time to serve your notice period and enjoy the transition instead of feeling bad about it. These last days of your job will be challenging. Keep offering quality service to maintain a good working relationship with your team, colleagues, and boss. They are a part of your professional network that you may or may not use later. 

Conclusion

I have explained all aspects of a process, aka How to Resign from a Job UK. You may rethink your decision during the counteroffer and transition. Keep in mind; one must have to keep going in one's life journey to achieve set goals.