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Garden leave policy

£12
Word count
Template words
271
Reading time
Reading time
5 mins

A clear Garden Leave Policy template outlining employer and employee obligations during notice periods when garden leave is applied.

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What is a Garden leave policy?

This Garden Leave Policy template explains how and when an employer can place an employee on garden leave during their notice period. It helps safeguard business interests while ensuring fair treatment of employees.

The policy sets out employee responsibilities, including remaining available for work, confidentiality, and restrictions on contacting clients or colleagues. It also clarifies pay and benefits during the leave period.

Using this policy helps organisations minimise risk, protect sensitive information, and manage transitions professionally and transparently.

Best practice timescale for this to be issued
When should this policy be issued?
During onboarding / after changes / planned refresher
Issued by who, to whom
Who should issue this policy, and to whom?
Internally issued to appropriate recipients in your Company
Applicable legal jurisdictions
In which jurisdictions can this policy be used?
Great Britain & NI (United Kingdom), Worldwide

Garden leave Policy

Overview

At [Company Name], we may place employees on garden leave during their notice period. Garden leave allows the company to protect its business interests while ensuring employees receive full pay and benefits until the end of their employment.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees of [Company Name].

General Principles

Purpose of garden leave

  • Garden leave may be used when an employee has resigned, been given notice of termination, or in other circumstances where the company deems it necessary.

  • The aim is to restrict access to confidential information, clients, or colleagues while respecting contractual entitlements.

Employee obligations

  • During garden leave, employees remain employed and must comply with contractual obligations, including confidentiality and duty of good faith.

  • Employees must be available during normal working hours to assist with handovers, queries, or other reasonable requests.

  • Employees must not start alternative employment or engage in activities that may conflict with the company’s interests.

Pay and benefits

  • Employees will continue to receive their normal salary and benefits during the garden leave period.

  • Annual leave entitlement will continue to accrue as per company policy.

Communication and restrictions

  • Employees may be restricted from accessing company systems, premises, or contacting clients and colleagues unless authorised.

  • Any breaches of these obligations may be treated as misconduct under the company’s disciplinary policy.

Compliance and review

  • This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it reflects legal requirements and best practice.

  • Updates will be communicated to all employees.

This policy [does not] form[s] part of your terms and conditions of employment.

Version: [1.0]

Issue date: [date]

Author: [name, job title]

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garden leave policy