Redundancy/sabbatical/new job - employment law advice?

[aww999]

Hi guys, unfortunately I was made redundant this week, but my boss gave me a pretty decent package to soften the blow. I will be paid my normal wages until the 18th February, plus payment for 4.5 days untaken holiday, plus three weeks gross wages (I have been there just over three years). In the letter I have it describes the time between now and 18th February as a sabbatical as a goodwill gesture to help me find new employment - I will not be required at work again.

I went to an interview today and it looks very likely I will be offered this new job within the next week or two (fingers crossed!). Will I be able to start my new job before the end of my sabbatical period from my old job? Or will I need to inform my old employer that I am starting on, say, 1st February, and my pay from the old job will end on that date?

Ideally I would like to be earning in my new job ASAP whilst still receiving the full amount of sabbatical and redundancy pay from my old job, but I'm not sure if this is possible - would that be (a) immoral, (b) illegal, or (c) absolutely fine? I can't see the Revenue having any problem with it as long as I pay tax on both lots of income.

Any thoughts much appreciated!

[digger_R]

You may be starting a new job but unless you have a cast iron contract that allows you a golden handshake if you are made redundant again then I'd be quite happy to take both lots of cash.