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Restraint of Trade and NDA

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    Restraint of Trade and NDA

    Hi, I have a similar restraint of trade question.

    And I know the immediate answer is that I should have read it fully before signing.

    Last year, I did a contract assignment for end client, provided by a consultancy company which I landed through a recruitment agency. There was a restriction period with the agency but that has now expired.

    However, in addition to my contract with the agency, I had to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the consultancy company basically committing to not divulge any proprietary or confidential information.

    I had no problems signing that but if I had been more careful I would have picked up on a section therein that had the following (paraphrased):

    "Non-Solicitation. Contractor acknowledges that Contractor’s solicitation of client after the expiration of Contractor’s engagement would involve the unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Information and agrees that, for one year not to offer services to the client"

    Now I have the opportunity of another different kind of assignment through another consultancy with the same client. Is this NDA enforceable in law?

    As it happens, I didn't have access to any of the consultancy company's proprietary information so have nothing that I could disclose even if I wanted.

    #2
    This is always a moot point agency dumps you and then can they restrict you. Only a lawyer can tell you. In my view this clause is to prevent you from doing the dirty, i.e. turn down an extension and go direct, but once you are done and dusted and left on the shelf they´re not going to come after you. As for divulging as long as you clearly have no documentation from the consultancy there´s no question about that,

    If you have no other alternatives I would go ahead, sure there´s a bit of a risk but it´s low. Why would this consultancy want to start an expensive legal case; the truth is they´re way too busy. You´re better off working with some slight risk than sitting on the bench.
    I'm alright Jack

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by TombRaider View Post
      Is this NDA enforceable in law?

      As it happens, I didn't have access to any of the consultancy company's proprietary information so have nothing that I could disclose even if I wanted.
      I think you would be fine. That won't stop the consultancy company trying it on with some bluff and bluster if they find out so keep your head down...
      Free advice and opinions - refunds are available if you are not 100% satisfied.

      Comment


        #4
        How long since you left the client from the original contract?

        Without knowing the exact details.....but personally I would ignore it.

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by Wanderer View Post
          I think you would be fine. That won't stop the consultancy company trying it on with some bluff and bluster if they find out so keep your head down...
          Can't just keep my head down as the original consultancy company have people on board so my arrival would not go unnoticed.

          I left the client 6 months ago so there are no problems with the original agency.

          Comment


            #6
            Maybe worth a visit to a lawyer.
            I'm alright Jack

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by TombRaider View Post
              Can't just keep my head down as the original consultancy company have people on board so my arrival would not go unnoticed.
              I would keep my head down and just do the work. Once you have your bum on a seat, it's going to be a lot more difficult for the consultancy to stop you. If the tulip hits the fan then the two consultancies can fight it out.
              Free advice and opinions - refunds are available if you are not 100% satisfied.

              Comment


                #8
                TBH, I think it's very foolish to advise anyone to ignore something in a contract just because they dont like it.

                While I agree the consensus is a handcuff of 12 months is excessive, it doesnt mean any judge would dismiss it as such.

                I'd strongly suggest a trip to an employment \ company law specialist. OK it may cost a couple of hundred quid but it could say you thousands if the other party did decide they want to seek redress.
                I couldn't give two fornicators! Yes, really!

                Comment


                  #9
                  I will get legal advice on this.

                  I contacted the consultancy to see if they are holding me to the NDA and they went to the hiring manager at client company to insist that I must be recruited through them so the only way I can land the assignment is to go through them again which I am reluctant to do.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by TombRaider View Post
                    I will get legal advice on this.

                    I contacted the consultancy to see if they are holding me to the NDA and they went to the hiring manager at client company to insist that I must be recruited through them so the only way I can land the assignment is to go through them again which I am reluctant to do.
                    Why are you reluctant to go through them? If it means you get the gig and they give you a bit of P&Q doesn't that solve everyone's issue?

                    Comment

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