Legal action

col81

I have left my previous job and moved to a similar role at a competitor. I have been told I am in breach of contract and had legal letters as in my contract it stated I cannot join a competitor for 12 months. They have also accused me of viewing company information which I have but have no intention of doing anything with. I think they are now trying to make me leave the industry for 12 months can this be done or is it likely?

JamoLew

depends what your contract stated - but potentially - yes they can

reading your previous posts - seems like you really pee'd them off and they are playing hardball

col81

Yes demanding a fortune off me for legal costs so far. No idea where to turn

col81

Acas citizens advice are of no help

[Deleted User]

You might want to engage with a solicitor. 

74jax

col81 said:

I have left my previous job and moved to a similar role at a competitor. I have been told I am in breach of contract and had legal letters as in my contract it stated I cannot join a competitor for 12 months. They have also accused me of viewing company information which I have but have no intention of doing anything with. I think they are now trying to make me leave the industry for 12 months can this be done or is it likely?

How long have you been at the new job, I thought you didn't start until August? How do they know where you have gone? 

nicechap

col81 said:

I have left my previous job and moved to a similar role at a competitor. I have been told I am in breach of contract and had legal letters as in my contract it stated I cannot join a competitor for 12 months. They have also accused me of viewing company information which I have but have no intention of doing anything with. I think they are now trying to make me leave the industry for 12 months can this be done or is it likely?

col81 said:

Yes demanding a fortune off me for legal costs so far. No idea where to turn

Given the manner of your departure, you were in sales, and what you say your contract says, I think they may well be within the rights to stop you.  A more pertinent question is how likely is your new employer to support you defending yourself.

Does your home insurance include legal aid?

El_Torro

The government doesn't take too kindly to companies restricting ex employees on where they can work. The government wants to keep unemployment down and tax revenue up after all. 

Having said that I don't know your situation or what industry you work in, so your ex employer may have a case.

As mentioned can't Citizens Advice help you with this? I assume you're not in a Union or you would have spoken to them already.

col81

I can't say to much on here but they found out through a rep of a finance company. I will check home insurance good point.

col81

I've have been there a week now

sharpe106

El_Torro said:

The government doesn't take too kindly to companies restricting ex employees on where they can work. The government wants to keep unemployment down and tax revenue up after all. 

The government are quite happy for this clause, as it protects companies. They just don't see why it should apply to them. It stops employees running off with all the clients. They are just not happy when it is used just for spite.