In the UK, and most European countries, locking someone out during their notice period is really rare. Big companies exist and are not destroyed by disgruntled

In the UK, and most European countries, locking someone out during their notice period is really rare. Big companies exist and are not destroyed by disgruntled employees. If someone is fired for cause then they go immediately, but if they are given notice then they are usually trusted with access, and it rarely goes wrong. Stealing IP is rare because it's hard to benefit from it. If stolen IP is offered to another company, usually they report it to the owner to cover their backs legally. Funders are not going to want to invest in a company that is based on stolen IP, where their investment can become worthless overnight. So I think these stories about how 'we have to treat employees like they are potential criminals' (not accusing parent of that, but you hear them) are bugos. Treating people like human beings is both right and economically efficient.