Restrictive covenants in employment contracts

These clauses are common in sectors where client relationships, trade secrets or senior influence are critical, such as financial services, technology, recruitment, media, legal, and professional services.

Whether you're enforcing a restriction or being asked to comply with one, it's essential to understand your rights and obligations. Our solicitors advise employers and individuals on the enforceability, fairness, and commercial impact of restrictive covenants.

Advice for employers on protecting your business

Well-drafted restrictive covenants can prevent former employees from poaching clients, sharing sensitive information, or joining a direct competitor. We help employers across a range of sectors prepare, enforce and defend these clauses with confidence.

Our solicitors regularly advise employers on:

• Drafting restrictive covenants tailored to seniority risk and your business
• Enforcement through injunctions or legal action
• Garden leave and notice period strategies
• Non-compete, non-solicitation and non-dealing clauses
• Recruiting employees with post-termination restrictions
• Restricting contact with former clients or employees
• Reviewing and updating contracts for enforceability
• Settlement agreements involving post-termination obligations

We also work closely with our litigation team on urgent enforcement matters.

Support for employees facing post-termination restrictions

If you've left a job—or are about to—you may be unsure what you can and can't do next. We advise employees, directors, and consultants on how restrictive covenants apply, whether they're enforceable, and how to move forward without putting yourself at risk.

We have particular expertise advising individuals in senior roles, including directors, partners, and entrepreneurs, especially where reputational, regulatory or commercial issues are involved.

Whether you're stepping into a new role, exiting under a settlement agreement, or navigating complex obligations, we'll help you protect your interests.

Our employment solicitors regularly assist individuals with:

• Advising on settlement agreements containing restrictions
• Assessing whether restrictions are reasonable or excessive
• Confidentiality obligations and reputational concerns
• Negotiating release from or changes to restrictions
• Responding to legal threats from former employers
• Reviewing post-termination restrictions
• Understanding risks in new job offers that may breach terms

We'll help you understand your position, reduce risk, and take your next step with clarity and confidence.

Contact our employment solicitors

Restrictive covenants can be highly technical, and whether you're enforcing or challenging one, the outcome often depends on timing, wording, and evidence. Our employment law team provides fast, clear advice to protect your interests and avoid costly disputes.

We work with clients across England and Wales from offices in London, Bath, Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings, and Ulverston.

If you need advice on restrictive covenants or post-termination obligations, get in touch with our team today.