Why Choose Us?
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In This Section
- Negotiating and drafting settlement agreements and exit packages
- Advising on restrictive covenants, confidentiality and protection of business interests
- Drafting and enforcing non-complete/non-solicitation clauses
- Financial compensation
- Notice periods and timing of your departure
- Garden leave arrangements
- Director resignations and announcements
- References and non-disparagement agreements to protect your reputation
- Minimising post-termination restrictions on future work and negotiating carve-outs to restrictive covenants
Garden leave arrangements
Specialist Employment Law Solicitors Across England and Wales
At Blackstone Solicitors, we provide expert advice on garden leave arrangements within employment settlement agreements. Garden leave is a common feature in negotiated exits, particularly where employers wish to protect business interests while allowing a controlled transition.
Understanding how garden leave works, and how it is reflected in a settlement agreement, is essential for both employers and employees.
Get in touch with us today on 0330 808 0918. Alternatively, complete our online enquiry form and we will contact you.
“Great to work with.“
– Brian Foden 
How we can help you
We are highly experienced in bringing the various garden leave arrangements in settlement agreement cases we take on to a successful conclusion. We aim to provide comprehensive guidance at every step, offering the helping hand to lead you through the process to the outcome you desire.
Our team can offer help and advice on a wide range of settlement agreement cases, including:
- Negotiating and drafting settlement agreements and exit packages
- Advising on restrictive covenants, confidentiality and protection of business interests.
- Drafting and enforcing non-complete/non-solicitation clauses
- Financial compensation
- Notice periods and timing of your departure
- Garden leave arrangements
- Director resignations and announcements
- References and non-disparagement agreements to protect your reputation
- Minimising post-termination restrictions on future work and negotiating carve-outs to restrictive covenants
What is Garden Leave
Key Features and Legal Considerations
Garden leave occurs when an employee remains employed and continues to receive salary and benefits but is not required to attend work or carry out duties during their notice period.
During this time, the employee is still bound by the terms of their contract. This includes duties of confidentiality and any restrictions on working elsewhere.
In settlement agreements, garden leave provisions must be clearly defined. This includes the length of the leave, the employee’s obligations and how it interacts with the termination date.
Clarity at this stage helps avoid uncertainty and reduces the risk of disputes later.
Advice for Employees
Understanding Your Rights and Restrictions
If your settlement agreement includes garden leave, it is important to understand what this means for you. Although you may not be working, you remain employed and subject to contractual obligations.
We advise employees on the practical impact of garden leave, including whether they can start a new role, how benefits will be treated and what restrictions apply during this period.
In some cases, there may be scope to negotiate the length or terms of garden leave. For example, an earlier release date or greater flexibility around future employment.
Our aim is to ensure that you fully understand your position and that the terms are fair and workable.
Support for Employers
Protecting Business Interests During Transition
For employers, garden leave can be an effective way to protect confidential information, client relationships and internal stability during an employee’s departure.
We advise businesses on when garden leave is appropriate and how it should be structured within a settlement agreement. This includes ensuring that contractual rights to place an employee on garden leave are valid and enforceable.
Our solicitors also assist with drafting clear provisions that set out expectations during the leave period. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that business interests remain protected.
Negotiating Garden Leave Terms
Achieving Practical and Balanced Outcomes
Garden leave is often a key point of negotiation in settlement agreements. Employees may seek flexibility, while employers may prioritise protection.
We assist both parties in reaching balanced agreements that reflect their respective interests. Our approach is practical, strategic and focused on achieving certainty.
Why Choose Blackstone Solicitors
Trusted Employment Law Specialists
Clients choose Blackstone Solicitors because we offer more than just legal advice. We provide reassurance, clarity and a steady hand during what can often be a stressful time.
Our approach is responsive and pragmatic. We listen carefully, communicate plainly and act decisively. Every client is different, so we tailor our advice to suit your circumstances rather than relying on a one size fits all solution.
If you require expert employment law services in England and Wales, our team is here to help. Contact Blackstone Solicitors today to discuss your situation in confidence.
Contact us today
It could not be easier to get in touch with one of our expert solicitors and find out how we can help you get the outcome you want. Simply give us a call on 0330 808 0918 or complete our online contact form and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your situation.
We are able to serve clients from across the UK and even around the world. We have offices in Cheshire and London and regularly take on clients from the Manchester and Chester areas.
