Under Zambian law, the minimum notice period for terminating employment depends on how long the employee has been contracted. [Employment Code Act, S.53] sets out three notice periods that apply when the employment contract itself does not specify a notice period: twenty-four hours for contracts not exceeding one month; fourteen days for contracts lasting more than one month but not exceeding three months; and thirty days for contracts lasting more than three months.
However, there is an important exception. [Employment Code Act, S.53] states that no notice period is required if the employee is guilty of serious misconduct of a nature that would make it unreasonable for the employer to continue the employment relationship. In such cases, the employer may terminate immediately. Additionally, employers may provide compensation in lieu of notice instead of giving the notice period itself.
It is important to note that these are the statutory minimums. If your employment contract specifies a longer notice period, that contract term will apply instead of these statutory periods. You should check your employment contract to see what notice period has been agreed between you and your employer.