Please note that this News item is not maintained, and reflects the law as at the date of publication or update.
The second quarter of the twenty first century promises to bring unprecedented change to businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Just think how much technological change businesses have had to grapple with since we all partied in 1999. The development of the internet, high-speed broadband, email as the communication method of choice, data portability through USB devices and the cloud, and the explosion of social media.
Throughout this period, Paul Maynard’s employment team has been on hand to guide many of our commercial clients through the plethora of threats created to their businesses by these “advances”. We have been at the vanguard of the development of employment law to meet these threats head on – from obtaining the first ever injunction to prevent the use of business contacts via LinkedIn to the drafting of post termination restrictions that truly withstand the scrutiny of the highest courts.
The advent of generative AI means that many employees suddenly believe they are also experts in employment law. Mostly they misunderstand or misinterpret their rights and overlook their responsibilities. Nevertheless, AI will go some way to levelling the playing field.
Characteristically the Government have weighed in on the side of employees. As if the new Employment Rights Bill ushering in a suite of new rights for workers for 2026 was bad enough, last week the Government launched a consultation to restrict or even abolish non-compete clauses.
It is now more important than ever that businesses that are reliant on confidential information and customer connection take measures protect themselves against these threats and those that believe they are already protected review those measures. Our experts at Gaby Hardwicke can undertake an audit of your existing business protection measures and implement updated measures to give you peace of mind. This does not just extend to drafting contracts and policies but advising you on practical measures to protect your data from misuse.
Briefing Notes
In readiness for Q2 21st Century we have brought our suite of detailed business protection briefing notes right up to date. Whilst no substitute for specialist professional advice, they are a great starting point to get a proper (not artificial) understanding of these vital issues for so many businesses. They cover business protection topics such as Restrictive Covenants; Business Information, Database Rights, Garden Leave, the Duty of Loyalty for Directors and Partners as well as more bespoke issues such as Injunctions and Springboard Injunctions, the Regulation of Employment Agencies and Businesses and TUPE Issues when Buying an Insolvent Business.
Do feel free to browse these to see if any of the issues resonate for your business, and definitely do not hesitate to call our experts for further help and advice.
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