If I leave my current employer and am put on garding leave is there anything to stop me from working immediately for my new company? What are the chances of being found out and what would the possible implications be?

your contract of employment will probably rule out

Moonlighting or second jobs are generally not ruled out by contracts of employment which is what you are referring to I think as you would be still contracted to your present employer and attempting to start a poistion with a second. This happens a lot and many people have two incomes. However, if you are trying to start with a rival consulting firm I would strongl;y advise against it for a couple of reasons; firstly, it is un-professional and you run a risk of transgressing any confidentiality clauses in your contract which your current employer would take note of, and secondly, you may later need to rely on references from current employer and you don't want a black mark being forwarded to your new employer.Your choice of course, but my advice, enjoy the paid holiday and ask your new employer to wait a bit longer. I'm sure they will.

Thanks, I am not going to a direct competitor so may look to earn two salaries for the month which will of course come in handy for Xmas. Just didn't know if there are any implications but guess not.

Thanks, I am not going to a direct competitor so may look to earn two salaries for the month which will of course come in handy for Xmas. Just didn't know if there are any implications but guess not.

Gardening leave does not release you from your current contract of employment, it's just a mechanism to ensure that you are removed from the business during your notice period - you can be recalled to the business at any time without warning under your gardening leave anyway. To take up another contract of employment (of which the hours would presumably clash with your current formal hours) would be a breach of contract - your current employer would be able to dismiss you immediately for gross misconduct, and potentially seek financial reparations for the breach in court. It depends on your employer and how litigious they are likely to be.

I know a couple of people who have done this - So its not unusual, I guess.

If you do go ahead check out the tax implications - you will get two months pay, but you'll be hit with more tax latter on...