Garden leave

sultan123

What are the rules of garden leave. If someone from your workplace rings you after worktime when one is on garden leave, is that allowed.

Does the company have to give strict instructions in writing as to what you can and can't do when on garden leave.

Sandtree

Gardening leave is being paid not to work but you need to remain available to work, you should discuss with the employer any rules around it, particularly things like contact with your soon to be former colleagues. 

If you are going to be unavailable for work, eg you are going on holiday, then it needs to be booked off in the normal way though in practice most people probably chance it. 

Can someone phone you? Naturally they can, anyone can phone anyone short of there being a restraining order in place. Should you speak to them will depend on what you've agreed and the reason for the call, could be IT arranging the return of a laptop etc which is perfectly reasonable. 

Ultimately remember this is you being paid in full, accruing holiday etc to sit at home in your pants doing whatever you want... don't get silly or arsey about the fact your colleagues are still having to work late etc.

400ixl

They should give you guidance as to the rules you should follow. It could be different depending on why you are on garden leave (redundancy, resignation, etc).

sultan123

Sandtree said:

Gardening leave is being paid not to work but you need to remain available to work, you should discuss with the employer any rules around it, particularly things like contact with your soon to be former colleagues. 

If you are going to be unavailable for work, eg you are going on holiday, then it needs to be booked off in the normal way though in practice most people probably chance it. 

Can someone phone you? Naturally they can, anyone can phone anyone short of there being a restraining order in place. Should you speak to them will depend on what you've agreed and the reason for the call, could be IT arranging the return of a laptop etc which is perfectly reasonable. 

Ultimately remember this is you being paid in full, accruing holiday etc to sit at home in your pants doing whatever you want... don't get silly or arsey about the fact your colleagues are still having to work late etc.

If they take laptop and phone back due to resignation.

I meant if colleagues who are also friends ring outside of work times to find out why one is on garden leave, reasons for leaving etc

sultan123

400ixl said:

They should give you guidance as to the rules you should follow. It could be different depending on why you are on garden leave (redundancy, resignation, etc).

Should the guidance be in writing though. 

It would be resignation going to a competitor

Sandtree

sultan123 said:
I meant if colleagues who are also friends ring outside of work times to find out why one is on garden leave, reasons for leaving etc

Ultimately its up to you and them, if its purely a social/personal call then employers aren't going to care but clearly you shouldn't be talking shop... as you are out the door anyway the risk is clearly higher for them than you.  One to agree with your employer, make your friends aware of the arrangement and be sensible for the duration of your gardening leave. 

400ixl

Doesn't have to be in writing (doesn't have to be at all) but many do give high level guidance on their HR sites.

If it is a personal call then that should not be an issue, you just need to be careful what you say. You can't say anything that would be seen as putting the company down or trying to entice someone else into leaving.

jimpwarsop

sultan123 said:

It would be resignation going to a competitor

So your employer would rather pay you than have you work your notice?

I wouldnt rock that particular boat.

Your friends are just nosey, keep mum until you start your new job.

sultan123

400ixl said:

Doesn't have to be in writing (doesn't have to be at all) but many do give high level guidance on their HR sites.

If it is a personal call then that should not be an issue, you just need to be careful what you say. You can't say anything that would be seen as putting the company down or trying to entice someone else into leaving.

What if they ask where you are going to etc

sultan123

jimpwarsop said:

sultan123 said:

It would be resignation going to a competitor

So your employer would rather pay you than have you work your notice?

I wouldnt rock that particular boat.

Your friends are just nosey, keep mum until you start your new job.

What do you mean

400ixl

sultan123 said:

400ixl said:

Doesn't have to be in writing (doesn't have to be at all) but many do give high level guidance on their HR sites.

If it is a personal call then that should not be an issue, you just need to be careful what you say. You can't say anything that would be seen as putting the company down or trying to entice someone else into leaving.

What if they ask where you are going to etc

I can't see why that would be an issue. If you think it could be, just decline to answer and say you will tell them once your garden leave is over. That would be the safer option either way.