Is it the end of Non-Compete Agreements?

​Non-Compete Agreements prevent (or at least slow) employees from taking a client/customer list and/or trade secrets when they leave the company; however these Agreements could become part of the past.  On July 9, 2021, President Biden signed an executive order asking the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) to “ban or limit” non-compete agreements.  The Biden Administration says non-competes prohibit “economic mobility” by limiting people’s ability to change jobs, in turn keeping wages down and preventing employees from leaving for a better paying position elsewhere.  Now that the executive order has been issued, employers are wondering, are non-compete Agreements with employees now illegal because of this order?  The short answer is No – but employers should be on alert.  How far the FTC will go remains to be seen.  Stay tuned!