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Burnham Backs Bill Banning Non-Competes for 5 Million Jobs

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 7:05 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced legislation to ban non-compete clauses that block hiring.
He said the clauses have hurt innovation and worker pay.
Around 5 million UK jobs are covered by six-month non-competes.
High Court claims enforcing non-competes rose 43 % in the first nine months of 2025.
Business groups warn reforms must still protect confidential information and investment.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced legislation to ban non-compete clauses that block hiring.
He said the clauses have hurt innovation and worker pay.
Around 5 million UK jobs are covered by six-month non-competes.
High Court claims enforcing non-competes rose 43 % in the first nine months of 2025.
Business groups warn reforms must still protect confidential information and investment.