Garden leave

Formal Neutral

What it really means

When you have resigned or been given notice but the employer tells you to stay home during your notice period while still being paid. It stops you starting a competitor's job or contacting clients straight away.

Chinese explanation
花园假（garden leave）：你已辞职或被通知离职，但雇主让你在通知期内留在家中、照常发薪。目的是防止你立刻去竞争对手处上班或联系客户。

Example conversation

A: They've put me on garden leave for my last month. B: Nice — full pay and you don't have to go in.
A：他们让我最后一个月休花园假。 B：不错啊——照发全薪，还不用去上班。

What you could say back

“Can I start my next job during garden leave?”

Related phrases

Notice period Handing in your notice Contract of employment

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.

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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake