Can an employer relieve an employee who is on notice period without pay?

An employee has resigned and given the contractual three months' notice. They are asking if their employer can terminate their employment with immediate effect and whether they are entitled to pay for the remaining notice period. While the contract allows for payment in lieu of notice by the employer, the employee's situation seems to be about the employer waiving the notice period. The general consensus suggests 'no work, no pay', but if the employer chooses to relieve the employee early, they might be entitled to salary in lieu of notice, especially if the notice period end date was specified.