During the first six months of employment, the statutory notice period is 1 week. During the second six months of employment, it is 2 weeks, and thereafter it is 4 weeks. These periods may be varied by the employer in a contract of employment or agreement, provided that the same notice period agreed upon also applies to the employer. For example, the employer may require the employee to give one calendar months notice upon resignation.
If the employer agrees that should the employee be dismissed with notice, then the employer will also provide the employee with one calendar months notice of dismissal. Then the provision for one calendar months notice in the contract of employment is lawful. However, if the employer does not so agree, then that the provision for one calendar months notice in the employment contract is unlawful, and that the notice period as stipulated in the Act will apply.