Section actions
Duration: Writing letter — 20 min; notice — 1 to 3 months
Cost: Recommended with AR — about 5 €; free trade union/inspection
On-site only
Who this guide is for
Section actions
- You if you have decided to leave without losing your rights
- You if the employer pushes for a "voluntary" resignation when you want compensation
- You if you wonder if there will be unemployment after resignation
To be prepared in advance
Section actions
- The contract and the collective agreement, to verify the duration of the notice
- Reason for departure (important for a possible right to unemployment)
- A model letter of resignation (Service-Public)
Step-by-step procedure
Section actions
- 1Ask yourself if resignation is really the best option. If the employer violates the contract (unpaid, harassed), it is better to take an act of breach or judicial termination — you retain compensation and right to unemployment.
- 2Write the letter of resignation: clear, without emotion, with the desired date of the last day (taking into account the notice). Do not enter "because of the employer" — this can be described as a deed.
- 3Send the letter with acknowledgment of receipt (or hand-delivery against discharge). This is the legal protection of the date.
- 4The notice depends on the category and length of service (according to the agreement): from 1 months (workers) to 3 months (frames). If the employer waives notice, it is indicated in the letter or agreement.
- 5During notice, work normally (unless exempted). Leaving without agreement can result in salary deductions.
- 6After departure: in "classic" resignation, in general NOT entitled to the ARE (unemployment). But there are exceptions (spouse follow-up, new employment in CDI, employer default) — France Travail studies via joint commission.
- 7Get the employer's documents: work certificate, receipt for balance from any account, certificate France Travail (necessary for any future rights).
Common mistakes
Section actions
- Resign under pressure — loss of benefits and unemployment. It is better to take action in case of non-compliance.
- Indicate a reason related to the employer's fault in the letter — this is no longer a resignation but a deed (different procedure).
- Do not send as recommended — difficult then to prove the date.
- Leave the position without notice — the employer makes a deduction.
- To believe that resignation always causes unemployment — there are exceptions, France Travail examines.
Official sources
Section actions
Show sources in this section
Important remark
The resignation has consequences for unemployment and compensation. This information is indicative — before resigning, consult a union or labour lawyer.
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