How the checker decides
The checker first works out your final working day the same way as the notice period calculator: the day you resign is day zero, then it adds days, weeks (seven days each) or calendar months, and, if you leave the weekend option on, moves a Saturday or Sunday end date back to the Friday. It then counts the days from that final day to your new start date.
- A gap of one day or more means your current job has ended before the new one starts.
- Zero days means you would finish one job and start the other on the same day, which works only if both employers are happy with it.
- A negative number is an overlap: the new start date falls before your notice ends.
Ticking PILON tells the checker that your employer is paying you in lieu of notice, so employment is treated as ending on your resignation date. In real life the end date is the date your employer confirms it is paying in lieu, which is the employer’s decision unless you agree it together, so only tick it once that is confirmed. Ticking garden leave keeps the full notice in place, because you are still employed while on garden leave.
Worked examples
- A gap. You resign on Monday 2 November 2026 on one month’s notice. Your final working day is Wednesday 2 December 2026. A new job starting on Monday 7 December 2026 leaves a five-day gap, so there is nothing to negotiate.
- An overlap. Same notice, but the new employer wants you on Monday 30 November 2026. That is two days before your notice ends, so you would need your current employer to agree an earlier leaving date, or the new employer to move the start to Thursday 3 December or later.
If your dates overlap
Overlaps are common and usually solvable. Ask your current employer whether they will release you early; many agree once a handover is in place, and the agreed date should be confirmed in writing. Ask whether untaken holiday can be used to cover the last few days of notice. Or ask the new employer to push the start date back; most expect candidates to work their notice.
Starting the new job while still employed, without agreement, can breach your contract, particularly if the new employer is a competitor or your contract restricts other work. The guide on starting a new job during your notice period covers the risks, and garden leave explained covers what you can and cannot do while on garden leave.
Related tools
- Leaving-a-job planner for the full exit view
- Resignation date calculator — work backwards from a target leaving date
- PILON calculator
- Garden leave calculator
- Notice timeline generator
Frequently asked questions
- Can I start a new job before my notice ends?
- Usually no, unless your current employer agrees or you are on PILON (where employment effectively ends on resignation). Garden leave sits in between: you are still employed, so your contract may restrict starting elsewhere even though you aren't working. This checker shows the gap or overlap for your dates and flags the relevant rule.
- What is the difference between a gap and an overlap?
- A gap means your current job ends before the new one starts — you have days or weeks between the two. An overlap means your intended new-job start is before your contractual final day. Overlap without PILON or employer agreement is usually a breach of contract.
- If I take PILON, can I start the new job immediately?
- Normally yes. With PILON your current employer pays you off for the unworked notice and employment ends on (or very near) the resignation date, which clears the way to start elsewhere. Confirm the PILON agreement is signed before telling the new employer.
- Does garden leave count as 'still employed'?
- Yes. Garden leave keeps you on the payroll through your notice period without requiring you to work. Many contracts prohibit taking another role during garden leave because you still owe duties to the current employer. Check your contract wording carefully.