N for Notice of Termination

Introduction

A contract of employment may be terminated (subject to the fairness of the reason for termination) by either party giving notice to the other. How much notice, how it is given, when it takes effect and receipt of payment or other benefits are all questions that may give rise to dispute.

Statutory or contractual?

Under Article 33 of the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 996 (as amended) employers are obliged to set out in writing, as part of a statement of particulars, the details of the notice employees are entitled to give and receive. Employees have the right to a minimum period of notice (Article 118 ERO (NI) 1996 (as amended)).

Where there is a contractual