Is it legal for your present employer to restrict your future employers?
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Is it legal for your present employer to restrict your future employers?
Can an employer require you to sign an agreement stating that you will not go to work for a competitor (in the future) within a 125 mile radius? My husband just got a new job as a machinist, and in his paperwork he is expected to sign a paper stating he will not go to work in the future for a competitor within 125 miles. Is this legal? Can they restrict where or for whom you will work in the future? Is it okay for him to sign this? If he does, and eventually goes to work for a competitor, what legal ramifications could there be for him?
Asked on July 15, 2012 under Employment Labor Law, Washington
Answers:
Jeffrey Kaplan / Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Kaplan
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
It seems that what you are really asking is whether it is legal for an employer to include a noncompetition clause in an employment contract. Generally the answer is - yes, however such clauses can be restricted.
For example, in Washington the clause must be reasonable and necessary to protect a legitimate business interest.
Furthermore, if the employer sprung this clause on your husband after he quit his previous job or turned down other offers, courts may limit enforcement of the noncompete clause.
The legal ramifications to your husband depend on the terms of the contract. It should have a liquidated damages clause that states the penalty for violating the clause.
You may want to drop a couple bucks to get advice from a labor lawyer and let him/her read the agreement and advise you before you sign it. It may save you a lot of money and headaches in the future.
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