Notice Pay Calculator

BCEA notice periods explained

Section 37 of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) sets the minimum notice period either party must give when ending a contract of employment. A written contract may require a longer notice, but never a shorter one.

Statutory minimum notice

• Less than 6 months' service — 1 week.
• 6 months to 1 year — 2 weeks.
• More than 1 year — 4 weeks.
• Farm & domestic workers with 6+ months — 4 weeks (special rule).

Notice must be in writing

Notice must be given in writing unless the employee cannot write, in which case it can be given verbally with an explanation. Notice cannot be given during a period of leave and cannot run concurrently with leave (except by agreement).

Payment in lieu of notice

Instead of working out notice, the employer may pay the employee the remuneration they would have received during the notice period. This includes basic salary and any regular allowances. Notice pay is fully taxable.

Summary dismissal

For gross misconduct — after a fair disciplinary process — the employer may dismiss without notice. The employee is still owed accrued leave and any pro-rata bonuses.

Resignation & abandonment

An employee who resigns must give the same notice. If they walk out, the employer can claim damages equal to notice pay. Abandonment (usually 3+ days no-show, no communication) is treated as a dismissible offence requiring a fair process.