Leaving my job & asked to sign confidentiality agreement

[conanius]

This will seem unhelpful, but if there is a choice not to sign, don't sign.

Whilst people are saying "What is the worst they can do? Fire you?" then I guess you have a 'black mark' that you don't really want on any references. You still need to try and do it amicably.

[AlexC1981]

I'll email HR a few questions tomorrow. Obviously the part about returning stuff is fine, but I need to understand what "misuse" means in this context and what information they are talking about and how I could possibly misuse it. I need to understand what they actually want from me regarding prospective clients and also what the high court statement means as I haven't a clue.

Thanks all.

[HenryJM]

conanius said:

This will seem unhelpful, but if there is a choice not to sign, don't sign.

Whilst people are saying "What is the worst they can do? Fire you?" then I guess you have a 'black mark' that you don't really want on any references. You still need to try and do it amicably.

Well what is stated is possible 'legal proceedings' to 'seek an injunction' if there is no signature.

[Troubleatmill]

I would just tell HR - you are getting legal advise as you don't understand exactly what you are signing.

Get legal advice - and they will more than likely tear it to shreds.

[simonrockman]

I'd say "Yes I'll sign it", but never actually get around to it. Just string them along untilt they give up asking.

left it on the bus, dog ate my homework etc.

[Tribal Chestnut]

OP just follow my advice and you'll be alright.

Unless in some way you are already contravening a term that you had previously agreed.

If you're worth your salt as a QS you should be able to pretty much answer your own question anyway.

[anonymous-user]

Do not sign this. State politely that you will abide by your contract.

The employer cannot lawfully muck about with your pay.

IAAL but IANYL.

[anonymous-user]

I assume that the contract contains no restrictive covenants, and only a confidentiality clause. The employer is illicitly seeking to obtain more protection than it contracted for.

You must not use genuinely confidential info of your employer post termination, but absent a valid restrictive covenant you can deal with its customers after you leave. You are not obliged to inform you ex employer of such dealings.

[anonymous-user]

HenryJM said:

Well what is stated is possible 'legal proceedings' to 'seek an injunction' if there is no signature.

An empty threat, absent cogent evidence of wrongdoing or threatened wrongdoing.

[sneijder]

You've lost me a bit here.

Is this not just reminding you of 'Clause 14' in your existing (presumably signed) contract ?

[anonymous-user]

It goes beyond that.