Threatening to resign

[Ellypoo]

If an employee threatens to resign (not for the first time) if x doesn't happen (if we don't win a particular contract), can we accept that threat as a resignation, or what can we do?
The person has threatened to resign 3 times if things do/don't happen that aren't strictly in our control, so actually we would prefer it if he were to go as it isn't good for the team morale, so just wondered what our options were.

[lougle]

No, you can't. If the person gave you a written resignation, then you can choose not to allow him to retract it.

How long has he worked for you?

[FishWithABicycle]

No you can't take that as a resignation. Sadly.

You can have a formal meeting with him at which you tell him that regular threats to resign are having a bad effect on team morale and that you expect a more positive attitude.

Do you want him to stay or to go?

[shushpenfold]

How long have they been employed with you for, as if less than 2 years their employment rights have not kicked in and you would be reasonable to say 'sorry, just not working out'.

[flowery]

No you can't.

I worked somewhere where a member of a team regularly resigned (as in wrote a resignation letter) in protest about things she wasn't happy about. Eventually her manager got fed up being held to ransom and on receiving another one, which she knew wasn't genuine and was just a strop, asked me what to do.

My advice was to write formally acknowledging her resignation, telling her leaving date, holiday outstanding, arrangements for handing in company property etc and simply take it at face value.

We did that, greatly to the employee in question's chagrin! She asked to see her manager and said that if x y and z happened, she'd retract her resignation. Manager said thanks but no thanks and employee duly left. Result!

But no, threats to resign can't be taken as giving notice.

[EssentialHummus]

What fish said. It's a really unprofessional way for employee to conduct themselves, so I'd be arranging a formal meeting.

[Ellypoo]

It's just so frustrating - we want them to leave now, it's not a good way to behave in a professional environment so it's best if they go.
They haven't submitted it in writing, it is just a verbal threat at the moment - I think we will arrange a formal meeting to discuss and hopefully he will put it in writing!
Thank you!

[Ellypoo]

He's been with us more than 2 years.