Do I Have to Work My Redundancy Notice Period?

Being made redundant is a difficult process, and one of the most common questions employees ask is whether they’re legally required to work their notice period. In most cases, yes – but there are exceptions, and the way notice is handled can vary depending on your contract and the employer’s decision.

This guide explains your rights during a redundancy notice period, what to expect if you're asked not to work it, and how pay in lieu of notice (PILON) works.

What Are Your Rights During Redundancy?       

If you're made redundant, you’re entitled to:              

• A proper notice period

• Redundancy pay (if eligible)

• Consultation with your employer

• Time off to find a new job or attend interviews

• Full pay and benefits during your notice period

Your employer must follow a fair redundancy process and clearly communicate how your notice will be handled.

Your Notice Period During Redundancy

You must be given at least the statutory minimum notice period, unless your contract provides for longer. The statutory notice period is:

• One week if you’ve worked for between one month and two years

• One week for each full year you’ve worked (up to 12 weeks)

For example, if you’ve worked at your job for five years, you’re entitled to five weeks’ notice.

Your contractual notice could be longer, but it can’t be less than the statutory period.

Do I Have to Work My Redundancy Notice Period?

In most cases, yes – unless your employer chooses to:

1. Pay you in lieu of notice (PILON), or

2. Place you on garden leave

If you’re paid in lieu, you leave immediately but still receive your full notice pay. If you’re on garden leave, you remain employed for your notice period but don't attend work, and you're still paid as usual.

You can't unilaterally refuse to work your notice unless your employer agrees. Leaving early without agreement could be treated as a resignation, which may affect your redundancy pay and references.

What If You’re Not Working During Your Notice Period?

If your employer says you don't need to work your notice, this is usually handled through either:

• PILON: You're paid the value of your notice period up front, and your employment ends immediately

• Garden Leave: You're still employed, but not required to work or attend the workplace

Both options ensure you’re still paid in full for your notice period, and your continuous employment is protected up to the end date.

What If Your Contract Notice Matches Statutory Notice?

If your contract states the same notice as the statutory minimum, you are entitled to that exact period, and the employer must either:

• Let you work it

• Pay you in lieu

• Put you on garden leave

You should be informed of the decision clearly in writing, including your final working day and how your final pay will be calculated.

How Should Your Employer Give You Notice?

Your employer must provide your redundancy notice in writing, clearly stating:

• Your final working day

• Whether you’ll be working or on leave

• Details of any PILON arrangement

• How your redundancy pay will be handled

• What happens to unused holiday or benefits

Verbal notice may be used in practice, but written confirmation should always follow.

If Your Employer Says You Don’t Have to Work Your Notice Period

If your employer ends your employment immediately without PILON or garden leave, and without paying notice, they may be in breach of contract. You could be entitled to claim for wrongful dismissal and recover the value of your notice pay.

Always ask for confirmation in writing and speak to a legal adviser or ACAS if you believe you’ve been treated unfairly.

Final Thoughts

Unless your employer offers to pay you in lieu or places you on garden leave, you are expected to work your redundancy notice period. You're entitled to full pay and benefits during that time, and your employment officially ends on the final day of notice, not before.

Make sure you understand the terms of your redundancy, check your contract, and seek advice if the situation seems unclear or unfair. Proper notice is your legal right, and it's important to ensure everything is handled correctly before moving on.