Gardening leave and contracting

[JRCT]

This happened to me and is how I started contracting. My permie roile didn't exist anymore, so I was redundant. I had a 2 month notice period, but what was bizarre (I nearly wrote 'funny' there) was that I just decided that I wasn't going to go into the office. My role no longer existed, so they can't have anything for me to do. If I went in, they would have given me stuff to do, no doubt.

So I went on self-proclaimed gardening leave. My first contract offer was 3-4 weeks into that notice period and I just made a call.

Note: If you're spotted leaving your new role by an ex-colleague, remember you were at an interview. That's why you're suited and booted. And you have another one tomorrow which also finishes around 5pm (and the next day, and the next day..... ).

Note: It does cause a minor discussion point with agents whenever references are asked for. I have to explain each time that there's a slight overlap. But it's never been an issue

[psychocandy]

No you didn't.

Think I did. It was 3 years ago now. Although of course, you dont get anything for the first 3 days.

[northernladuk]

And yes I did claim JSA for that week too!

No you didn't.

[psychocandy]

Be careful with this one. When I took voluntary redundancy a few years ago they put me on gardening leave for 3 months.

BUT, they made it clear they reserved the right to call you back in at any time. They also made it clear that anyone who worked for someone else during this time risked breaching the terms of the redundancy agreement.

In terms of work, I didnt bother to be honest - too much hassle. But fortunately, gig came up about a week after I officially left employment.

And yes I did claim JSA for that week too!

[northernladuk]

They are 2 different things aren't they ?

Yep. Working from home indicates you have work to do and the client expects you to do it. Gardening leave is sitting at home doing sod all just so the client doesn't have you on site. No expectations of work to do.

[ForBajor]

You need permission if the contract starts before your employee contract has ended. You need to negotiate an agreement maybe if you want to complete your permie work in parallel. Shoudn't be a problem I would have thought as long as the handover works.

Yep - I've just checked my permie contract and it says I can do other work provided I have permission from the exec.

[kaiser78]

Working from home. I think gardening leave is misleading actually. They didn't say that.

They are 2 different things aren't they ?

[BlasterBates]

You need permission if the contract starts before your employee contract has ended. You need to negotiate an agreement maybe if you want to complete your permie work in parallel. Shoudn't be a problem I would have thought as long as the handover works.

[ForBajor]

Working from home. I think gardening leave is misleading actually. They didn't say that.

[northernladuk]

Check you contract. Some contracts don't allow you to work for anyone else while you are employed.

Remember you are still working for your employer. Not working for them while you are in contract could also be seen as gross misconduct and could get you fired with no benefits and possibility of having to repay the employer your money. Question is is how are they going to find out... The risk is yours to decide on.

EDIT: Are you are gardening leave or are you working from home. Big difference.

[ForBajor]

I've been told I can 'work' from home during my notice period to get a head start on the switch to contracting. Anything to watch out for or can I say I'm available immediately for new contract work?