Non-Compete Agreements

[DMHDIM]

The company I work for wants me to sign a non-compete agreement and confidentiality agreement. I have no problem with the confidentiality agreement but I do not want to sign the non-compete agreement as it restricts where and for whom I can work for two years after my employment is terminated (for any reason). I love the industry I am in and don't feel this is fair, especially since so many firms are going out of business or laying off employees due to the economy. Can I refuse to sign this agreement and still keep my job?

 

[cbg]

That will depend on your state law and the exact wording of the agreement. In my state two years would be considered too broad and would not be enforceable, but state law varies. Have a local attorney review the agreement.

 

[DMHDIM]

Non-Compete Agreement

I work in Maryland and have been on the job for over three months already--now with the completion of my probationary period, my employer wants me to sign this. It restricts employment with any company within the same industry and within 60 miles for two years.

 

[Beth3]

Again, have an attorney review this. Whether a non-compete is valid varies considerably from state to state.

Typically, non-compete's must be very narrowily defined to be enforceable. Two years sounds a bit excessive to me but only an attorney can tell you for certain.