In the United Kingdom a P45 is, and was until 1 January 2026 in the Republic of Ireland, the reference code of a document titled Details of employee leaving work. The term is used in British slang and Irish slang as a metonym for termination of employment; the equivalent slang term in the United States is pink slip.
Can I get a copy of my P45 from HMRC?
Lost P45. You cannot get a replacement P45. Instead, your new employer may give you a ‘Starter Checklist’ or ask you for the relevant details about your finances to send to HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ).
How long does an employer have to issue a P45?
An employer is supposed to issue an employee with their form P45 at their date of termination or, if this is not practicable, without unreasonable delay. With the employee’s agreement this could be left until the final payment of wages is calculated and paid.