Is my employer required to give me my notice in writing?

I won't name the company or go into depth as there have already been questions raised as to how my Facebook postings relate to the companies policies. But I began work for the company as a landscape gardener on a temporary contract at the start of may. There was no set finish date as obviously due to the nature of the trade as the grass cutting season and autumn leaves could run on for longer than can be anticipated...

Now, here's where the fun starts.. technically, I should have finished last friday. I used my last holiday days to book off what I thought was to be my last week. But the friday before my holiday began none of the managers knew what was going on, they knew I'd be leaving because I don't hold a drivers license but they didn't know when and there was certainly no time for them to get a letter out to me if I was to finish when I thought I would be.

The following thursday while on holiday I was phoned by my team leader saying he'd heard off our supervisor and that I'd be coming back from my holiday and working one more week.. then finishing this friday.

Now, I know that having worked for them for more than a month I'm entitled to recieve (and required to give) one weeks notice. But other than that second hand piece of information I've heard nothing from the company itself other than (again second hand) being told my letter has been sent out today.

So, given my situation are they actually required to give me my notice in writing before it becomes official? Hence entitling me to another weeks work/pay from the date I recieve an offical letter? Or is the way I've been dealt with sufficient that I have no grounds to kick up a fuss?

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I see my supervisor on friday and wouldn't mind an extra weeks wages if I can get it :)

Are you entitled to the holiday as well? If the holiday has any kind of 'at the managers discretion' to it then avoid rocking the boat or you could find yourself back in work sharpish! Wait and see what the letter says. It might confirm that you've somehow given notice yourself.

Technically it is at their discretion I think but they let me take it to use up the days I had owing, that was last week. I certainly haven't given any notice myself. Last time I spoke to my manager on the subject (when he knew I was going, but didn't know when I'd be out) I told him I was happy to continue working for them as long as they'd have me.