The following article by Dr Alexander Insam and Frank-Karl Heuchemer deals with the problem of the imposition of a blocking period by the employment agencies when concluding termination agreements. The reason for the article is a judgement of the Federal Social Court of 25 April 2002, which, unheeded for a long time, has now found its way into administrative practice and comments on this question. In particular, the ruling addresses the extent to which an agreed period of leave in the termination agreement can prevent a blocking period after termination of the employment relationship.