# Consultancies vulnerable as government plots non-compete axe

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/consultancies-vulnerable-as-government-plots-non-compete-axe/
- Published: 2026-11-05T05:59:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T06:21:52+00:00
- Original publisher: City AM (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.cityam.com/consultancies-vulnerable-as-government-plots-non-compete-axe/
- Topics: Business, Companies, Economy, Government, Politics

## Key points

- Government plans to reform employment non-compete clauses.
- Senior consultancy staff could move more freely between firms.
- Firms may turn to gardening leave and financial incentives.

## Summary

The government plans to legislate to reform non-compete clauses across the economy, aiming to make it easier for start-ups and growing firms to hire workers. The change could affect consultancies and other professional services firms by making it easier for senior staff with client relationships to move to competitors.

Details are due early next year, and ministers say the proposals will focus on workers, so equity partners may be excluded. Some firms reportedly have non-competes lasting up to two years; advisers expect restrictions being removed or reduced to increase movement between firms. Employers may rely more on gardening leave and financial incentives to retain staff, while many legal partners are governed by partnership agreements instead.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.