Non-compete clauses: Government call for evidence – let us submit a response on your behalf

In April 2016, the Government launched its Innovation Plan, and, as part of this, announced it would be making a call for evidence on the future of employers being able to include non-compete clauses in agreements with workers and employees.  DLA Piper’s Employment group has prepared a survey which focuses on key questions raised by the call for evidence. We would be delighted to hear your views and to then submit a representative response to the Government on behalf of all respondents.

You will need to use non-compete covenants in your business, and have knowledge of how they apply, in order to complete our survey. It should take less than 5 minutes to answer the questions.

What is the Government proposing?

In short, as part of its exploration of whether innovation in the UK is being stifled, the Government is considering whether it should prevent businesses from being able to restrict ex-employees from competing against them in the marketplace. The restrictions which are placed on ex-employees often impose a time for which the individual is prevented from competing and/or a geographical boundary, or prevent the individual from dealing with customers or hiring former colleagues.

Why should I respond?

This is an excellent opportunity to ensure your thoughts are taken into account, particularly as the Government recognises that there are arguments for and against the use of non-compete clauses.

What is the deadline?

Please complete our survey by no later than Friday 1 July 2016 if you wish your answers to be taken into account in our response.  You may complete this survey anonymously if you prefer to do so. In any event, our response to the Government will not identify any respondents by name.

DLA Piper’s Employment group survey on non-compete clauses.