what happens if you quit work without notice

If your workday is letting you down, do you ever imagine getting up from your desk and shouting "I quit" before walking out the door in a flash of light? It's fantasy, but if you have a job with  long paychecks, can you really leave?

When you resign from a job, you usually have to give some notice. During this notice period, your employer can start looking for a suitable replacement and this gives you the opportunity to resolve any issues before leaving the company. 
 However, you may find yourself unable or unwilling to send this notice. In this blog, we  look at everything you need to know about notice times.

What is my notice period?

In the UK, if an employee wants to quit, they usually have to notify their employer. This is called the warning period. 
 Normally, your notice period will be fixed in your employment contract. This will detail exactly how much notice you must give if you want to resign, so it is important that you read this document carefully. 
 If your employment contract does not specify the length of your notice, you must give at least one week's notice before leaving your position. You must give notice of your resignation in writing, for example in an email or letter. You will need to indicate the deadline for the notice you will give and the date of your last business day. Your notice period will begin the day after you formally resign.

Do I have to work my notice period?

Ideally, you should respect the notice period specified in your employment contract. If you want to give a shorter notice period than that, you should talk to your employer. You can make an agreement with them whereby they waive or reduce your notice period. This way you won't break your employment contract. 
 If your employer does not give you  shorter notice, it is important to determine if your departure will result in financial loss or  other hardship for them. If your absence could cause problems for your employer, both financially and logistically, your employer can sue you.

Can I take holiday during my notice period?

Ultimately,  your employer decides if you can quit your job during the notice period if you ask. If they let you, you are entitled to your normal salary. 
 When you leave, you will also be paid for any leave benefits that you have accrued but have not yet used. Your employer may ask you to take vacations that you haven't used. It is advisable to consult your employment contract for  details on remaining vacations.

Can I work elsewhere during my notice period?

It could also be a breach of your contract. If you quit your job to work elsewhere during the notice period, your employer can take legal action to prevent you from doing so. For example, your employer can apply for an order if they can prove that you left to work for a competitor or if they believe you are putting their business interests at risk, such as  potentially disclosing confidential and sensitive information.

What can my employer do if I don't work my notice period?

Your employer can't stop you from leaving the building, so it's unlikely you'll get caught if you have to pack up, go through the door, and not come back. However, if you leave without complying with the  notice period, you risk breaking your contract. This means  your employer can sue you.