Most employees are asked to sign a contract of employment when they join a new employer and the last thing on an employee’s mind at the start of the employment relationship is what might happen once the employment has come to an end.
However, more and more contracts of employment contain restrictions which may affect what you can and cannot do once you have left the employment. These restrictions are called restrictive covenants and, contrary to what many people believe, if they are drafted properly, can be enforced in order to prevent you from competing against your employer once you have left employment.
Restrictive covenants usually consist of one or more of the following types of restriction:
- joining, working for or being involved with a competitor after the end of employment
- setting up in competition with your old employer
- approaching your old clients and customers for work on behalf of a new employer
- doing business with your old clients and customers on behalf of a new employer
- approaching your old colleagues in order to persuade them to join a new employer
- doing anything which might interfere with the relationship between your old employer and one of its suppliers or customers
- using or disclosing confidential information belonging to your old employer
Our team of employment solicitors have expertise in drafting and advising on restrictive covenants and confidential information clauses and so are well placed to advise you on the restrictions and obligations in your contract, whether before you sign the contract or after your employment has ended.
We can also advise and defend you if you face allegations that you have acted in breach of a restrictive covenant, including representing you in injunctive and other Court proceedings. Our aim is always to listen to your objectives and provide you with practical and commercial advice which will enable you to achieve the best possible outcome, whatever the circumstances.
Employment law solicitors
To arrange a discussion with an employment law solicitor click here or call us on 0800 840 4929. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
