Templates
Termination Letter Template – free for Word, PDF and Excel under the BGB
Free · Version 2026.10
Create a resignation or termination letter and calculate the notice period automatically. The free termination letter template works in Excel, Google Sheets, Word and as a fillable PDF and covers the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States.
- 100% free
- Workplace-ready
- Excel & Google Sheets
Archive the signed termination letter
For jobs in Germany under the BGB. Ordio stores the letter, the end date, and the proof of receipt.
Signed letter on the record
Store the termination letter with the employee file, not in a shared inbox
Receipt date included
Keep the proof of when HR received the letter. The workbook states the notice period. This is not legal advice.
One file at exit
Letter, employment certificate, and reference in the same record
Remaining leave in view
See open absences when you confirm the last day of work
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Frequently asked questions about German termination letter
Can I resign by email in the UK?
Yes, unless your contract says otherwise. You do not have to put your resignation in writing, but a letter or email gives you a record of the date and avoids disputes about notice. Check your contract for the process, keep a copy and ask your employer to confirm receipt. (Source: [acas.org.uk](https://www.acas.org.uk/resignation/how-to-resign))
Do I have to give a reason for dismissing someone in the UK?
Employees with two years’ service can ask for a written statement of reasons and must receive it within 14 days (Employment Rights Act 1996, s. 92). Employees dismissed while pregnant or during maternity or adoption leave get it without asking. In Great Britain the Employment Rights Act 2025 cuts the unfair-dismissal qualifying period to six months for dismissals taking effect on or after 1 January 2027, and amends the service condition in s. 92 at the same time. (Source: [legislation.gov.uk](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/18/section/92))
What is the minimum notice an employer must give in the UK?
After one month's continuous employment, at least one week. From two years, one week for each full year of service, up to 12 weeks after 12 years (Employment Rights Act 1996 s.86). The contract can give more.
Does a resignation letter need a reason?
No. A resignation letter only needs the date, the intended last day based on your notice period, and your signature.
Is there a notice period in the US?
Not under federal law for individual dismissals. Most employment is at-will. A contract, union agreement or state law can require notice, and the WARN Act applies to covered plant closings and mass layoffs.
Is the termination letter template free, and does it work in Excel and Google Sheets?
Yes. You download it free of charge after a short form and get an Excel file (.xlsx, Excel 2016 or Microsoft 365) and a Google Sheets copy, plus a fillable PDF and a Word document. Excel and Sheets contain the same 5 sheets: Instructions, Letter, Checks, Legal basis, Ordio.
Which countries does the template cover?
The template covers the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States. The country notes in the file set out the rules for each: United Kingdom: Notice checks follow the Employment Rights Act 1996 s. 86: employer at least 1 week after 1 month’s service, then 1 week per full year from 2 years (max. 12 weeks); employee at least 1 week – unless the contract gives more. Ireland: Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973 – 1 week (13 weeks to 2 years’ service), 2 weeks (2–5 years), 4 weeks (5–10), 6 weeks (10–15), 8 weeks (15+). Check the result manually. United States: employment is usually at-will – no federal statutory notice period. Follow the contract, state law and WARN Act rules for mass layoffs.
What does the template check automatically?
The “Checks” sheet shows ✔ or ⚠ for: Required details complete; Last day not before the earliest permissible date; Contractual notice not shorter than statutory; Employer notice: reason stated; Written delivery recorded, dates plausible.