Garden Leave Policy

PURPOSE

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This policy outlines the conditions under which an employee may be placed on garden leave during their notice period.

This policy does not form part of an employee’s contract of employment and Wilson Vale Catering may amend this policy at any time.

INTRODUCTION

This policy outlines the conditions and procedures for placing an employee on garden leave. Garden leave refers to the period during which an employee, who has resigned or been terminated, is required to stay away from the workplace while still receiving their regular salary and benefits. This policy ensures that all parties are clear about their rights and responsibilities during this period.

APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all employees who are placed on garden leave by the Company, in accordance with the terms of their employment contract and at the Company's discretion.

CONDITIONS OF GARDEN LEAVE

• Notification: Employees will be informed of their garden leave status in writing.

• Duration: The garden leave period will begin immediately upon notification and will continue until the termination date of employment, as specified in the notification letter.

• Status as an Employee: During garden leave, the employee remains an employee of Wilson Vale Catering. All terms and conditions of employment, including the obligation to maintain confidentiality, remain in force.

REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary and Benefits: The employee will continue to receive their regular salary and benefits throughout the garden leave period.

• Holiday Entitlement: Any accrued but untaken holiday entitlement must be used during the garden leave period. This includes any holiday that accrues during the garden leave itself.

• Company Property: Employees are required to return any Wilson Vale Catering property that is used solely for business purposes (e.g., company mobile phones) immediately. However, benefits such as a company car, which form part of the employee's overall remuneration package, may be retained during the garden leave period.

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RESTRICTIONS DURING GARDEN LEAVE

• Work Duties: The employee is not required to attend work or perform any duties for Wilson Vale Catering during garden leave.

• Contact with Clients and Suppliers: The employee is prohibited from contacting any customers, suppliers, or other clients of Wilson Vale Catering during the garden leave period.

• Availability: The employee must remain available for contact by Wilson Vale Catering and may be required to attend meetings or perform certain tasks, as directed by Wilson Vale Catering, during the garden leave period.

• Confidentiality: The employee must continue to adhere to all confidentiality obligations as outlined in their contract of employment.

• Employment with Other Organisations: The employee is not permitted to work for another organisation during the garden leave period without Wilson Vale Catering’s express written consent.

RETURN OF COMPANY PROPERTY

The employee must return all specified Wilson Vale Catering property, as soon as they are placed on garden leave. This is to be completed in accordance with the instructions provided in the garden leave notification letter.

BREACH OF GARDEN LEAVE CONDITIONS

Any breach of the conditions outlined in this policy, or in the employee’s contract of employment, may result in disciplinary action or legal proceedings.