Work issues

unforeseen

Customeris such a wide definition that I doubt it would hold up in court. If somebody used you once 3 years ago and then poached your employee now then that would fall foul of the condition .

If you had said client then it may have different as I expect a client to have a contract with you but all you appear to have is ad hoc customers (the same as anything street shop) as nobody seems to have contracts with you to supply whatever it is you supply

redlove

Already accepted.

redlove

The employee will be working alongside us in a slightly different role and we will be continuing with the job.


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mr.wendal

hi I can understand why you are upset, but try and see it from your friends point of view.

They will be proud of being head hunted.
They may see a bigger company as having more opportunities in the future. Perhaps more money and security in the long term.

But they may also be worried about change.
Worried about having to live up to new expectations.
Worried about not being the friend of the boss.

I know it’s easier said than done, but if they are a friend as well as an employee then try to be happy for them and support them.

PeacefulWaters

There's a line between employment and slavery.

You don't own your employee and should have a plan in mind around how to replace them if they leave for any reason.

Comms69

Have you tried making a counter offer?


Not that it will work if your attitude has come out. But most sensible business owners, when they want to keep on an employee, will offer money or other benefits (increased A/L etc)

getmore4less

redlove wrote: »

The employee will be working alongside us in a slightly different role and we will be continuing with the job.

Some times having your people move to your client/customers can be beneficial.

You really need to be positive about this move as an opportunity to make things better for everyone.

In away this is a wake up call that your contingency planning may need addressing.

Longer term what's your growth and exit strategy an ideal business is one that starts to run itself so you can reap the rewards or get bought out and sit on a pot of cash.

Malthusian

redlove wrote: »

The reason I’m finding it difficult is that I had placed a lot of trust into this person and saw them not only as a wonderful person to work with but also a friend.

If they were that wonderful your first reaction to hearing they'd been poached would have been to make them a counter offer.

Instead your first reaction was to contact a solicitor to find out whether you could stop them from progressing their career or sue them, and your second reaction was to ask random strangers on the Internet for the same.

Some friend. Perhaps the feeling isn't mutual.