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

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

From: Department for Business and Trade

Working paper on options for reform of non-compete clauses in employment contracts

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Respond to this working paper online

or

Respond by emailing noncompeteclauses@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

This working paper was published on:

• 26 November 2025

It closes 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 interested in views on different options to reform non-compete clauses in employment contracts to support the growth mission. 

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