Restrictive Covenants

In recruiter context

Three common types: non-compete (can't work for a competitor), non-solicit (can't approach clients/colleagues), non-deal (can't do business with former clients even if they approach you). UK courts only enforce covenants that are reasonable in scope, geography, and duration — typically 3-12 months. A 2-year UK-wide non-compete will usually fall in court, but you'd have to fight it. Garden leave often counts towards the covenant period. The single biggest mistake I see: candidates signing senior contracts without reading the covenants, then discovering them when they want to leave.