Can resignation be given verbally?
Robert Miller
Updated on March 29, 2026
Employees who are resigning often don’t need to give notice in writing – they may be able to give it verbally.
What to say when you verbally resign?
What to Say When You Quit Your Job
- A Thank You for the Opportunity.
- An Explanation of Why You Are Leaving.
- An Offer to Help With the Transition.
- Appropriate Notice.
- The Date You Are Leaving.
- Have a plan for the following outcomes, and you won’t be caught off guard:
- Be Prepared to Leave—Now.
What are the consequences of resigning with immediate effect?
In Mtati v KPMG Services (Pty) Ltd, the Labour Court ruled that if an employee resigns with immediate effect, the employment relationship ceases and the employment contract terminates. As a result, the employer essentially loses its right to proceed with a disciplinary enquiry against that employee.
Can you withdraw a verbal resignation?
It is a common misconception that an employee’s resignation can be withdrawn before you have formally accepted it. However, once an employee has given you notice, they cannot usually withdraw this without your agreement.
Can I give an immediate resignation?
If you have less than 1 months’ service, and no notice provisions in your contract of employment, then you can resign with immediate effect. You otherwise need to give 1 week’s statutory notice (or longer if your contract provides for this).
What should I do if I verbally resign from my job?
Tell him you want to discuss your verbal resignation. Be prepared for your boss to react in a negative manner if you acted unprofessionally when you verbally resigned. 2. Apologize to your boss and tell him that you made a mistake by verbally resigning. Explain the reasons why you offered your resignation.
What happens if you ask an employee to resign in writing?
By requesting a resignation in writing, you will have conveyed to the employee that the company has not yet accepted the resignation. As a result, the employee could elect to change his or her mind and, thereby, rescind the resignation.
What makes a resignation valid under the law?
This article seeks to outline the law that is applicable to the topic of resignations. A resignation is a unilateral termination of a contract of employment by the employee. For resignation to be valid it need not be in writing. Recent cases have shown that even resignations tendered via sms text messages are valid.
Can a resignation be valid via text message?
For resignation to be valid it need not be in writing. Recent cases have shown that even resignations tendered via sms text messages are valid. Employees are therefore cautioned not to act hastily and send a sms text message in the heat of the moment, as they may regret it in future.