Notice period and notice pay Belize 2026

In Belize, a contract for an indefinite period can be ended by either side giving notice. The length depends on how long the worker has been with the same employer, from 1 week to 8 weeks.

Enter your monthly pay, your start date and the date of notice. The calculator finds the notice period and the amount due when the full notice is not given.

How it's calculated

Notice is due after more than two weeks of continuous service. Up to six months it is 1 week, up to two years it is 2 weeks, up to five years it is 4 weeks and beyond five years it is 8 weeks.
An employer who gives no notice, or less, must pay wages for the period that was missed. A worker who fails to give notice owes the employer half the wages for that period.
A collective agreement, a longer period agreed by both sides, or a waiver of notice can replace these periods. Notice cannot be given while the employee is on lawful leave.
One week of pay is monthly pay times 12, divided by 52.

An example

An employee on BZ$2,000 a month started on 2 March 2020 and is dismissed on 29 October 2026 without notice. With more than five years of service the notice is 8 weeks.

One week of pay is BZ$461.54, so the employer owes BZ$3,692.31. If the worker had left without notice instead, the amount due to the employer would be half, BZ$1,846.15.

Frequently asked questions

How much notice must I give in Belize?

From one week up to eight weeks, depending on service, under section 37 of the Labour Act. The periods are in the table above.

Can my employer pay me instead of giving notice?

Yes. Section 38 lets the employer pay the wages and benefits that would have been due up to the end of the notice.

What if I do not give notice?

A worker on an indefinite contract who gives no notice is liable for half the wages for the notice period.

Does notice apply to a dismissal for cause?

No. The periods do not apply where the employer may dismiss summarily under section 43.

Key terms

Notice period: The time between telling the other side that the job will end and the last day of work.
Pay in lieu: Money paid in place of working out the notice.