You handed in notice — or received it. How much longer must you work, and on what date does the contract actually end? The period depends on contract type and seniority, and it's counted not “date to date” but to a Saturday or to month-end.
An estimate under the Labour Code (art. 34, 36) for an employment contract and a trial-period contract. An umowa zlecenia has no statutory notice period — whatever is written in the contract applies. The parties may agree a shorter period after notice is given. Not legal advice.
Umowa o pracę — fixed-term or open-ended: the rules are the same.
All time with this employer counts, including previous contracts with them.
The day the other party — you or the employer — received the notice.
—
last day of the contract
Notice period—
Seniority with employeras of the notice date—
Period counts from—
Working days leftMon–Fri excl. holidays—
A period in weeks always ends on a Saturday; in months — on the last day of a month. So notice given on the 2nd “costs” almost a month more than notice given on the 30th.
How long the notice period is
On an employment contract the period depends on seniority with this employer: under 6 months — 2 weeks, 6 months or more — 1 month, 3 years or more — 3 months. On a trial contract it depends on its length: up to 2 weeks — 3 working days, longer — 1 week, three-month — 2 weeks. The rules are the same whoever gives notice — you or the employer.
Why “2 weeks” isn't 14 days
A period in weeks is counted so that it ends on a Saturday, and a period in months — on the last day of a month. Notice given on a Tuesday for “2 weeks” means: until the Saturday two weeks on. Notice given on 3 May for “1 month” means working until 30 June. That's why the date is worth choosing deliberately.
What you're owed when you leave
Ekwiwalent for unused leave — work it out in the leave calculator.
Świadectwo pracy — the employer must issue the employment certificate on your last day.
Pay for days worked and overtime — on the usual payday.
FAQ
Can I leave before the period ends?
Yes, if both sides agree in writing — a mutual termination or a shortened period after notice is given. Leaving without the employer's consent is a breach that can cost you compensation.
Can the employer dismiss me “on the spot”?
Only in specific cases (art. 52 of the Labour Code — gross breach of duties) and in writing with a reason. Otherwise the notice period or a mutual agreement applies. On an umowa zlecenia — whatever the contract says.
Does seniority include all contracts with this employer?
Yes — all time worked for this employer counts toward the notice period, even with gaps between contracts.
Leaving? We'll line up your next job now
Leave your contact — while your notice period runs, a recruiter will find a job with a proper contract and housing. €0 from candidates.
