Leaving Employment in the UK

Understanding your options when work comes to an end.

Leaving a job can happen in many different ways. For some people, it is a planned decision. For others, it comes unexpectedly following workplace changes, redundancy, or difficult conversations with an employer.

This site is an independent resource designed to help employees understand what leaving employment can involve, the choices they may face, and the issues that often arise when an employment relationship ends.

Whether you are considering your next steps, have been asked to leave your role, or are trying to make sense of an exit proposal, the aim here is to provide clear, practical information to support informed decision-making.

What you’ll find on this site

  • Explanations of the different ways employment can end, including resignation, redundancy, and agreed exits.
  • Guidance on common decision points employees face, such as timing, negotiation, and whether to accept proposed terms.
  • Information on rights, risks, and consequences that can affect finances, future employment, and professional reputation.
  • Context around settlement agreements and why they are sometimes used when employment ends.

An important note

The information on this site is intended to help employees understand common situations and considerations when leaving employment. It is not a substitute for professional advice, and individual circumstances can vary significantly.

Some situations require independent advice before decisions are made, particularly where legal documents or formal agreements are involved. Understanding when this applies is an important part of protecting your position.

Explore the topics

You can explore the sections of this site to learn more about different employment exit scenarios, the options available, and the practical steps employees often consider before moving on.