I just wanted to ask. Isnt it my right to resign if I am giving them 4 weeks notice for leaving?

My contract finishing on 4th August and I asked to leave on 30th and they mentioned they can’t release me as they are short on staff?

I just wanted to ask. Isnt it my right to resign if I am giving them 4 weeks notice for leaving?

What should I do in this case?

May I remind all of the above colleagues that we are still in a pandemic and there are certain contractual obligations (annual leave, EWTD etc) that are still suspended (meaning trusts have been allowed a degree of wiggle room) with agreement of all stake holders (bma/NHS employers/COPMeD/deaneries)

Which basically means that hospital CAN cite a lack of clinical cover and decline your request.

Had it been any other time, a blunt approach may have forced them to back down. However, In these times, a confrontational approach will get OP nowhere.

In my experience, a more finesse approach may prove more fruitful and get you far more than you originally wanted.