Can employer reject your resignation?

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

Been talking to a friend who is ready to resign from her job, but she said she thought her manager 'wouldn't accept her resignation'
I didn't think they could do that (under normal circumstances, can appreciate their might be some contractual reasons why not but friend has no 'special' contractual terms'

Surely under normal circumstances you can resign when you want to resign without your employer having to accept it?

I think if you are subject to a disciplinary process you cannot always resign to avoid that process.

Of course she can resign. Serfdom was outlawed some time ago.

She might have to work her notice, but of course they can’t refuse

There are no circumstances under which an employer can refuse a resignation.

Thank you, that's what I thought. No disciplinary involved and working notice is understood.

An employer can accept a resignation but then proceed to dismiss someone before it takes effect ie before notice period runs out. In that case they'd be dismissed not resigned. Rare but I've seen it happen eg when an employee in disciplinary proceedings for doing something very bad and employer doesn't want to do them any favours.

Thank you @CloudsCanLookLikeSheep I doubt very much that friend has any disciplinary ( but who knows), will pass on your info, thanks x