Non-compete after leaving: a security guard’s penalty dispute

Reported facts

An ordinary security guard joined another security employer after his contract ended. His former employer demanded a non-compete penalty but did not show that his duties gave access to confidential information.

Published outcome

Arbitration rejected the employer’s penalty request. The typical case discusses who can be subject to a non-compete obligation.

Limits when comparing your own situation

A signed clause alone did not resolve coverage in this case. This does not invalidate every non-compete: actual duties, information access, compensation and current law require separate review. The site summarises the published typical case rather than deciding your clause.

Questions to prepare for your own situation

• What were my actual duties and access to protected information?
• What restriction, compensation and penalty does the signed text specify?
• Which current local rule and deadline apply to the demand I received?

These preparation questions are our editorial guidance, not findings in the original case.