Dimissioni (resigning from your job)

What are dimissioni?

Dimissioni (resignation) is the ending of an employment relationship at the initiative of the employee. It can happen for a variety of reasons, including personal circumstances, a change in career plans or dissatisfaction with working conditions. In Italy the process is governed by employment law, which sets out clear procedures and the rights of employees.

How do you resign?

Resigning from your job in Italy involves a few main steps:

• Your first name and surname
• Your job title
• The date of your resignation
• The reason for your resignation (you can simply write “dimissioni volontarie” – voluntary resignation)

Signature: the letter must be signed by you.

Additional information: you can add details about your reasons for leaving or thank your employer for working together.

Handing the letter to your employer

• In person: it is advisable to get your employer to confirm that they have received the letter.
• By post: use a registered letter with proof of delivery (raccomandata con ricevuta di ritorno).

Copy of the letter: keep a copy of your resignation letter for your own records.

Notice period (preavviso)

• Fixed-term contract: the notice period is usually 15 days.
• Permanent contract: the notice period can range from 1 to 3 months.

Exceptions: you may be able to leave without working your notice if you already have a new job or in serious circumstances (for example, for health reasons).

Other provisions

• Payment for unused holiday: you are entitled to be paid for any holiday you have not taken.
• Handover: before you leave, it is important to hand over your duties to a new employee or to a manager.
• References: you can ask your employer for a written reference about your work.

Conditions for resigning

• 4 days if the employee has worked for less than 5 years.
• 8 days if the employee has worked for more than 5 years.

Employees’ rights when resigning

• Employees are entitled to payment for unused holiday, calculated according to the terms of their contract.

Support from trade unions

• Trade unions can help you prepare your resignation letter and advise you on the process.

Legal advice

• If you have questions or there is a misunderstanding about the resignation process, you can seek advice from a lawyer or a trade union.

The right to protection

• If you believe the termination of your employment was unlawful, you have the right to turn to the labour inspectorate (Ispettorato del lavoro) to protect your interests.

Key points for Ukrainians

• Temporary protection: Ukrainian refugees who have been granted temporary protection in Italy have the same rights as Italian citizens when it comes to resigning.
• Language support: if you do not speak Italian, you are entitled to help with translation when drawing up your resignation letter.
• Help from organisations: there are organisations that support Ukrainian workers in Italy, including with legal and social assistance.

Conclusion

Resigning is an inalienable right of every employee in Italy, allowing them to make their own decisions about their working life. It is important to follow the established procedures, such as writing a resignation letter, notifying your employer in good time and working your notice period.

Employees are entitled to payment for unused holiday and can turn to trade unions and legal advisers if questions or misunderstandings arise. Ukrainian workers who have been granted temporary protection in Italy have additional safeguards, including language support and help from organisations.

Knowing your rights and following the resignation procedure correctly will help you avoid problems later on and act with confidence. It is important for employees to be aware of their rights and of the support available to them, so that they can move on successfully to new career opportunities.