Question 1

What is the statutory notice period (Periodo di Preavviso) in Italy?

Accepted Answer

The notice period is the duration an employee or employer must give before terminating an open-ended employment contract (contratto a tempo indeterminato), established by the applicable National Collective Labor Agreement (CCNL).

Question 2

What happens if an employee resigns without working the notice period?

Accepted Answer

If an employee resigns without working the required notice period, the employer has the statutory right to deduct the indemnity for lack of notice (Indennita sostitutiva del mancato preavviso) directly from the employee's final payslip or severance pay (TFR).

Question 3

When does the notice period officially begin?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the CCNL, the notice period begins either on the 1st or 16th of the calendar month (as in CCNL Commercio/Terziario), or on the day the written notice is communicated (as in CCNL Metalmeccanici).

Question 4

Can an employee take vacation during the notice period?

Accepted Answer

No, taking vacation or sick leave suspends the notice period, which is extended by the exact number of vacation or sick leave days taken, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the employer.

Question 5

How is the indemnity for lack of notice calculated?

Accepted Answer

The indemnity equals normal compensation for the unworked period, including base salary, contingent allowances, and the pro-rata value of thirteenth and fourteenth month payments.

Italy Notice Period (Preavviso CCNL) Calculator

Contract Details & Professional Seniority

Statutory Preavviso Matrix & Financial Exposure