Gardener's Leave

The_Hurricane

Hi All,

I handed in my notice yesterday, however today the company have realised that a rival company is expressing an interest in hiring me even though I've been offered a job in a different industry with a non related company.

To cover their exposure the company is offering me gardener's leave - is this normal?

Thanks in advance.

[Deleted User]

Gardening leave just ensures you aren't privy to up-to-date work information after you've announced you're leaving.

It's not uncommon, especially in finance. They can't restrict what firm you go to work for either (some EU law)

Gardening leave is awesome, I'd accept it. 1 to 3 months of being paid, but not working.

The_Hurricane

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Gardening leave just ensures you aren't privy to up-to-date work information after you've announced you're leaving.

It's not uncommon, especially in finance. They can't restrict what firm you go to work for either (some EU law)

Gardening leave is awesome, I'd accept it. 1 to 3 months of being paid, but not working.

Thanks for that, I was just a little surprised as the rival has only expressed an interest.

DKLS

As Ringo stated, Gardening Leave is awesome and should be encouraged, last time I had it I got bored after 3 days and started a new job, so had double pay for 3 months which was very nice.

Technically I was supposed to be available if they needed me, but there wasn't anything that couldn't be resolved in a conference call or email.

skintandscared_2

DKLS wrote: »

As Ringo stated, Gardening Leave is awesome and should be encouraged, last time I had it I got bored after 3 days and started a new job, so had double pay for 3 months which was very nice.

Technically I was supposed to be available if they needed me, but there wasn't anything that couldn't be resolved in a conference call or email.

Um, the whole point of gardening leave is that they pay you to NOT go to work somewhere else for the specified period!!! Otherwise they might as well just get 3 months more work out of you!

DKLS

skintandscared wrote: »

Um, the whole point of gardening leave is that they pay you to NOT go to work somewhere else for the specified period!!! Otherwise they might as well just get 3 months more work out of you!

Well that particular company never played by the rules, so I thought I should interpret the terms of the gardening leave in my own way after weighing up the risks.

Technically I didnt work for a direct competitor, I was on day rate and worked for a Umbrella company which sub-contracted my services out to the competitor.

Daedalus

skintandscared wrote: »

Um, the whole point of gardening leave is that they pay you to NOT go to work somewhere else for the specified period!!! Otherwise they might as well just get 3 months more work out of you!

Yes, and he breached his contract, but his previous employer wouldn't able to prove damages so there is little risk in doing it.

Goldiegirl

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Gardening leave just ensures you aren't privy to up-to-date work information after you've announced you're leaving.

It's not uncommon, especially in finance. They can't restrict what firm you go to work for either (some EU law)

Gardening leave is awesome, I'd accept it. 1 to 3 months of being paid, but not working.

I work for a very small bank, and some senior staff have resigned recently - they went immediately on 'gardening leave'. It's quite normal.

I'd love some gardening leave, especially during this lovely summer.

ValHaller

skintandscared wrote: »

Um, the whole point of gardening leave is that they pay you to NOT go to work somewhere else for the specified period!!!

The whole point? The other point being, as stated by ringo that you are no longer in the office and involved with the old employer

Takeaway_Addict

ValHaller wrote: »

The whole point? The other point being, as stated by ringo that you are no longer in the office and involved with the old employer

Doesn't mean u can work elsewhere during your contracted hours...

Print_Screen

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

Doesn't mean u can work elsewhere during your contracted hours...

Technically no, realistically yes