Civil Rights
Block on Trump's Asylum Ban Upheld by Supreme Court
The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) released today its Small Business Economic Trends for March. It is not a mood lifter. In terms of small businesses optimism, the prospect of continued layoffs, and reduction of capital spending, the report hovered near record bad numbers. With small businesses perhaps needing to continue layoffs in months ahead, and more newly unemployed individuals looking to compete, it's good to keep in mind exactly what departing employees may and may not do in regards to customers.
In addition to the second lowest level of confidence measured in its 35 year history, the NFIB report showed that about 12% of small businesses surveyed said they planned to cut jobs in the next 3 months. About 11% (a record high) reported that they had recently reduced employee compensation.
This means that more small businesses will deal with the unfortunate reality of continued layoffs. Some of those laid off may be looking to start up operations of their own, or may be lucky enough to get a job with a competitor. This can result in conflict over a small business' customers with whom the departing employee may have a relationship.
So, what are the rules of the road?
State competition laws vary, but generally, an ex-employee who joins or starts a competing business may solicit their former customers, provided:
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