diff --git a/DESIGN.md b/DESIGN.md
index 068a7e4530b..9d53a3c844b 100644
--- a/DESIGN.md
+++ b/DESIGN.md
@@ -117,8 +117,8 @@ completes without a provider reply. Preserve the reply through persistence.
 
 Task chat shows execution errors and waits only while they remain relevant.
 Exhausted attempts use a padded, rounded notice with a destructive-tinted background,
-an error icon, and foreground text. The surrounding layout supplies separation from
-the conversation. Automatic retry countdowns keep their quieter inline styling.
+an error icon, and foreground text. A wrapper adds top padding above the tinted
+surface. Automatic retry countdowns keep their quieter inline styling.
 Completing or cancelling a task hides its old execution notices. A newer attempt by
 the same agent or an explicit successor supersedes earlier run notices; an
 unresolved execution hold remains visible. Historical turns keep their responses,
diff --git a/tests/e2e/execution-recovery/failed-attempt-notice.spec.ts b/tests/e2e/execution-recovery/failed-attempt-notice.spec.ts
index fcb8588483e..efba0a8996a 100644
--- a/tests/e2e/execution-recovery/failed-attempt-notice.spec.ts
+++ b/tests/e2e/execution-recovery/failed-attempt-notice.spec.ts
@@ -24,10 +24,12 @@ test.describe("failed-attempt notice", () => {
           return {
             background: style.backgroundColor,
             padding: [style.paddingTop, style.paddingRight, style.paddingBottom, style.paddingLeft].map(parseFloat),
+            topPadding: parseFloat(getComputedStyle(element.parentElement!).paddingTop),
           };
         });
         expect(surface.background).not.toBe("rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)");
         expect(surface.padding.every(value => value > 0)).toBe(true);
+        expect(surface.topPadding).toBeCloseTo(16);
 
         const iconBounds = (await icon.boundingBox())!;
         const textBounds = (await message.boundingBox())!;
diff --git a/ui/src/components/ExecutionBlockerNotice.tsx b/ui/src/components/ExecutionBlockerNotice.tsx
index da88e57fe2e..0a343207d22 100644
--- a/ui/src/components/ExecutionBlockerNotice.tsx
+++ b/ui/src/components/ExecutionBlockerNotice.tsx
@@ -28,16 +28,17 @@ export function ExecutionBlockerNotice({ presentation, canRetry, onRetry, optimi
       !["failed", "retry_scheduled"].includes(presentation.state)) return null;
   const seconds = Math.max(0, Math.ceil((Date.parse(presentation.nextRetryAt ?? "") - Date.now()) / 1000));
   return (
-    <div role="status" aria-label="Task status" className={cn(
-      "flex items-center justify-between gap-3 text-sm",
-      presentation.state === "failed" ? "rounded-lg bg-destructive/10 p-4 text-foreground" : "text-muted-foreground",
-      className,
-    )}>
-      {presentation.state === "failed" && <AlertCircle className="size-5 shrink-0 text-destructive" aria-hidden="true" />}
-      <span className="min-w-0 flex-1">{presentation.state === "retry_scheduled"
-        ? `Trying again in ${seconds > 60 ? `${Math.ceil(seconds / 60)}m` : `${seconds}s`}…`
-        : "Couldn’t finish this attempt. Your message is saved."}</span>
-      {canRetry && presentation.canRetry && <Button variant="outline" size="sm" className="shrink-0" onClick={onRetry}>Retry</Button>}
+    <div className={cn(presentation.state === "failed" && "pt-4", className)}>
+      <div role="status" aria-label="Task status" className={cn(
+        "flex items-center justify-between gap-3 text-sm",
+        presentation.state === "failed" ? "rounded-lg bg-destructive/10 p-4 text-foreground" : "text-muted-foreground",
+      )}>
+        {presentation.state === "failed" && <AlertCircle className="size-5 shrink-0 text-destructive" aria-hidden="true" />}
+        <span className="min-w-0 flex-1">{presentation.state === "retry_scheduled"
+          ? `Trying again in ${seconds > 60 ? `${Math.ceil(seconds / 60)}m` : `${seconds}s`}…`
+          : "Couldn’t finish this attempt. Your message is saved."}</span>
+        {canRetry && presentation.canRetry && <Button variant="outline" size="sm" className="shrink-0" onClick={onRetry}>Retry</Button>}
+      </div>
     </div>
   );
 }