Policy paper

Reform of non-compete clauses in employment contracts: working paper

This working paper seekssought views on different options to reform non-compete clauses in employment contracts.

Documents

Details

Respond to this working paper online

or

Respond by emailing noncompeteclauses@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

This working paper was published on:

  • 26 November 2025

It closesclosed for responses at:

  • 11:59pm on 18 February 2026

Non-compete clauses are inserted into employment contracts to restrict an individual’s ability to work for, or establish, a competing business after they have moved on from a job. 

The government is interestedwas interested in views on different options to reform non-compete clauses in employment contracts to support the growth mission. 

This working paper iswas intended to support discussions, to determine whetherto determine whether and how to take proposals forward, as opposed to a formal consultation.

Updates to this page

Published 26 November 2025
Last updated 19 February 2026 href="#full-history">+ show all updates
  1. Page updated to reflect the closure of the working paper.

  2. First published.

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