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Writer's pictureManuel Parada

Non-Compete vs. Garden Leave: Battle of the Contract Clauses

Updated: Mar 15, 2023


In the modern workplace, non-compete agreements and gardening leave can be of great benefit to both employers and employees in a variety of situations. With great nuance and detail to consider, it can be difficult to evaluate the differences and similarities between these two distinct legal instruments. This article will compare and contrast non-compete agreements and gardening leave in the UK, discussing their respective similarities, differences and implications.


Definition of Non-Compete Agreements

A Non-Compete Agreement (NCA) is a legally binding contract between an employer and an employee that is intended to protect the employer’s confidential information, protected business interests and investment in the employee’s knowledge and expertise. The goal of an NCA is to provide employers with reasonable security against the potential for the employee to use the knowledge, skills and resources gained from the employer to compete with or harm the business in a meaningful way.


An NCA typically places restrictions on the employee’s ability to use confidential information acquired during his or her employment, as well as the limits of the employee’s ability to compete against the employer. Generally, most NCAs prevent an employee from working for a competitor for a certain period of time and/or a certain geographic area relevant to the employer’s operations.

Definition of Garden Leave

Garden leave is a period of leave taken by employees prior to or following the termination or resignation

Garden leave has several advantages over a non-complete. Garden leave provides a more equitable transition period, allowing an employee time to reflect on their situation and find a new job before their employment ends. Furthermore, during a garden leave period the employer may require the employee to not work for a competing business, in order to protect the employer’s interests. Additionally, a garden leave period may provide the employer with an additional layer of protection against potential legal claims, since communication and contact between the employee and the employer ceases during this period. Finally, garden leave can provide a more graceful and dignified exit from the organization.

What country do employer prefer to work in? Maybe the UK for me!


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