Restraint of Trade

An employee can’t be restrained from being employed by an employer just because they dislike them or disprove of the relationship. An employee ought to be free to use their own skill and know how to earn a living.

If you have been told by a past employer that they disprove of your new employer and that they will try to stop you from taking up your new job, Call Us and Speak to an Expert today.

Queensland Workplace Law Specialise in Employment Law including Restraint of Trade.

Why is a written employment contract important?

For a restraint to be enforceable it must be reasonable. What is reasonable depends of the facts of a case. What is unreasonable is a universal restraint that prohibits all employment with all competitors. In seeking to enforce a restraint a past employer must be able to turn to a written employment contract that sets out the scope of the restraint.

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Chris B
I reached out to Hunter for workplace employment advice and I cannot thank him enough for his expert advice. A true courteous and knowledgeable professional.
Percy
The industry I work in is tough, it was good to speak to someone who understood my day-to-day work challenges. My boss told me that I wasn't entitled to overtime or annual leave. I didn't have any reason to doubt him. It wasn't until I spoke with Hunter and he helped me understand the Award which applied to my job and the entitlement, including overtime, that I ought to have been getting paid.
Ben Blackman
I contacted a few Lawyers when I had a non favourable outcome at my workplace which led to me being dismissed. Hunter called me back first, and I’m glad he did.

What is Confidential Information?

Simply put its information that is not otherwise publicly available. For information to be confidential it ought not be publicly available. More often that not employees will have exposure to confidential information in the course of their employment. Examples of confidential information include pricing schedules, customer lists or computer codes. An employer has a legitimate interests in protecting its confidential information which may take the form of pricing schedules, customer lists, computer codes to identity of a supplier.

Does working for a competitor mean I’m going to use confidential information?

Not at all. An employee’s own skill and know how is enhanced by way of their employment. For example even just the accumulation of years working in a field of endeavour may result in an increase in the persons value in the employment market.

I’ve used confidential information, what should I do?

Caution needs to be exercised if a new position has been taken up with the intention of using a past employer’s confidential information. There are not many instances within which an employee can be personally liable in an employment relationship, however, this is one. The appeal of a new job, more money and higher status is attractive. If it is a condition of the new job that you will be expected to use your knowledge of a past employer’s confidential information, then speak with us immediately. If it is established that a past employer has  suffered loss and it is able to attribute that loss to your unauthorised use of its confidential information then you may be personally exposed.

What should I do if I've been unfairly restrained from trade?

An employer can only enforce a restraint of trade clause if it is reasonably necessary to protect their legitimate business interests. However, whether a clause is considered reasonably necessary will depend on the facts of each particular case.

If you feel that you’ve been unreasonably restrained, our experienced lawyers can assist you navigate the law and find out what your next options are. Contact us online or call us for a free 30min call and consultation.

Chris B
Chris B
Mar 2022
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I reached out to Hunter for workplace employment advice and I cannot thank him enough for his expert advice. A true courteous and knowledgeable professional.
Ben Blackman
Ben Blackman
Aug 2022
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Hunter supported and helped me the whole way through to the end, and was very professional the entire time without fail. It helped that I helped him by giving any information he required within a short time space. His communication methods are very effective and he gives you the options that suit you.
J Suter
J Suter
Jun 2022
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Cannot begin to explain how valuable Queensland Workplace Law's services are. They are incredibly supportive of their clients and truly do whatever is in the client's best interests. After one discussion, you feel like they've been in your corner for a lifetime. Thank you especially to Hunter who looked after us so well.
Emily Daniel
Emily Daniel
Jun 2022
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Hunter and his team did an absolute awesome job and was very professional at what they do. They are a really hard working team and really care about their clients and how they are treated in their workplace. They really know what they are doing and I wouldn’t recommend anyone else for the job
Tanya Gilchrist
Tanya Gilchrist
May 2022
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Could not be happy with all the help Hunter gave me, so genuine, caring and compassionate. When I felt like giving up, he was there keeping me calm and consoling me when things got tough. Could not be happier with the out come.
Quennie Murray
Quennie Murray
Apr 2022
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Hunter is great and very efficient. His knowledge of the law has been reassuring when I have been apprehensive on my next course of action.
Junjun Sun
Junjun Sun
Mar 2022
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Hunter and his team are incredible! We were so desperate after my husband were unfairly treated at his workplace.Hunter took my call and decided to take the case,we are blown away by their integrity and all the hard work they did on our behalf. Moreover,we are so happy about the outcome,we strongly recommend this place if you have any work related issues.
Lucas Walmsley
Lucas Walmsley
Jan 2022
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Hunter was very knowledgeable and provided fast advice that was concise and explained the situation well. I would recommend.
Louise Sciberras
Louise Sciberras
Aug 2022
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Hunters advice was worth more than gold to me. He listened and gave me his honest opinion. Highly professional and a great disposition. Thank you Hunter
Kaine Browne
Kaine Browne
July 2022
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When I called I spoke with Hunter. Hunter was professional, knowledgeable and took great time to learn understand my problem. The free advice he gave me in that phone call has seen me with a positive outcome to my problem. Based on the complex nature of the problem I have, I was not expecting a positive outcome.
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