After launching a consultation in December 2020, the UK government has now announced plans to cap non-compete restrictions at three months as a global trend towards reconsidering their use in the labour market gains momentum.

The government has announced that it will be legislating to limit the length of non-compete restrictions in employment and worker contracts to three months. Find out more about the government’s reforms in our publication. 

Antitrust enforcers have been scrutinising non-poach clauses and other terms of employment in a number of recent cases. The trend started in the US, but there are now live investigations in several other jurisdictions. Other antitrust enforcers, including the UK Competition and Markets Authority will be thinking about enforcement in this area. Learn more in our Global Antitrust Enforcement Index.

Workplace activism isn’t a new concept, but one which has been amplified in recent times by social movements and the circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is becoming a defining feature of the workplace. With a heightened awareness of workplace rights, along with changes in technologies and communication channels, employees can become activists within their workplaces very quickly.

In today’s world, enabling employees and stakeholders to safely voice concerns through formal and informal channels – and having the infrastructure in place to hear and deal with those concerns – is a cornerstone of good governance, is at the heart of a healthy culture, and can help employers to mitigate the risks arising from workplace activism. Find out more about the importance of having suitable whistleblowing, speak up and listen up arrangements on our dedicated “ListenUp!” webpage.

The Linklaters Employment & Incentives practice is one of the strongest and most innovative players in the global market. Visit our dedicated web page to find out more about the team, our global coverage, and our expertise. If you would like to speak to one of the team directly, please do get in touch.

ESG in the broadest sense covers environmental, social and governance issues but consensus on details of the meaning can vary and public perceptions are changing rapidly. Our dedicated ESG team has a robust understanding of the regulatory and policy drivers of the market and experience across a wide range of sectors. Visit our ESG web page for more information.

Linklaters Diversity Faculty offers a full-service solution for your Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) priorities and objectives. Bringing together experts from our Legal, D&I, HR, Talent Management, Learning & Development and Social Impact teams, our Faculty provides you with the full suite of services to help you evolve your D&I strategy and create a workplace culture that reflects your organisation’s core values.