non-compete validity when laid-off

[clong]

myself and some colleagues were recently released from long standing positions with a consulting firm. We signed employment agreements including a covenant not to compete. The company has warned us about approaching any of the businesses were were exposed to during our employment for either permanent or contracting positions. This effects our ability to get work, as our skills are limited and the target market is small. Are non-competes enforcable in this situation? This concerns IT consulting in/from central Ohio.

 

[crager34]

Not likely

The big issue is YOUR right-to-work. Non-compete are rarely enforcable, especially if it limits just that...your right-to work. Your pursuit of happiness (sound familiar?) superceeds this non-compete agreement.

 

[buddy2bear]

Non-competes CAN be enforced. It depends on your State's law and/or whether or not the non-compete is REASONABLE, either in time period or area it encompasses. I suggest that you talk to a labor and employment attorney and let him read over your non-compete contract. My boss has enforced many of these for his employer-clients.