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levels of client connection/access to trade secrets/proprietary information. Generallyhowever, provided necessary and appropriately drafted, will be enforced by UK courts.5. OtherIn addition to the above, there may also be covenants which seek to preclude a formeremployee from taking steps which might disrupt the former employer’s relationship withits suppliers. Again this type of restriction is potentially enforceable.Covenants may also be drafted, particularly in the financial services sector, so thatrather than prohibiting an employee from taking steps, they provide that certain deferredcompensation/stock/options will be forfeited. The same principles apply regardingenforceability.d. Garden LeaveIt is common in the UK to also seek to protect an employer’s business interests through“garden leave.” This is the use of a contractual right to require an employee to stay outof office and have no contact with clients or colleagues during their contractual noticeperiod. It is common for an employer to exercise this right where a senior employeeresigns to join a competitor. Often, restrictive covenants are also drafted so that anyperiod of garden leave served reduces the period of the covenants.e. Enforcement of Restrictive CovenantsIt is fairly standard where a senior employee is leaving to join a competitor, or issuspected of doing so, for the employee to be reminded, in writing, of the existence of3082723.3