The Government has issued a call for evidence to explore whether non-compete clauses can unfairly hinder workers from moving freely between employers, developing innovative ideas and starting up their own business after leaving a job. Non-compete clauses are defined as those which prevent a worker from competing against their former employer, and can include restrictions on workers approaching former clients or working for a competitor for a set period of time after leaving a business. The Government wants to hear views, experiences, and evidence of non-compete clauses so that it can understand when and why they are used, their prevalence and the benefits or disadvantages associated with them. Once it has built up a picture of the UK experience, the Government will consider whether it is necessary to act in this area, and how.

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