Can I Work Elsewhere on Garden Leave

[mark1979]

I am going to hand in my notice today. I work in a car dealership and am going to a local competitor so usual practice is to put leavers on garden leave.

Do I have to wait out my notice period or can I start my new job whilst on garden leave? My current employer owes me commissions for this month which will be paid end of April. I dont want to run the risk of not being paid but I dont want to sit around the house for 4 weeks either.

Thanks in advance.

[ULA]

Sorry no, if you are put on garden leave you will need to remain available throughout this time for your current employer.*

[mark1979]

Thanks. The main reason I’m asking is that my commission is more than double my salary. When I’m on holiday I get my average daily rate of commission (calculated over the previous 12 months) paid on top of salary.*
On garden leave they’ll just pay my salary so I’m out of pocket by a lot of money.*

[ULA]

I understand why you asked and sorry not to have been able to provide a more positive answer for you.*