UK Recruitment Glossary
Garden Leave
In recruiter context
Common in senior or commercially sensitive roles where the employer doesn't want you in the office passing information to a competitor. You're still employed, still paid, still bound by confidentiality and non-competes. You usually can't start a new role until garden leave ends. Tip: read your contract before resigning — garden leave clauses are easy to miss.
Related terms
Reference Check
A call or written enquiry the employer makes to confirm your past employment and performance.
Right to Work
Your legal eligibility to work in the UK — checked by every employer before you can start.
Job Description (JD)
The official posting that lists role responsibilities, requirements, and sometimes salary.
Notice Period
The time you must work after resigning before your employment officially ends.