Can I be forced to sign a non compete clause after working without one in my present job for years?

I am an office manager in a CPA firm. I have been with the company for years (over 20) and suddenly my boss decides to make the office sign a noncompete contract, if we don't sign it, we will be terminated. I have issues with this because it wasn't a condition of my employment obviously, and I am not even a CPA! But I guess I know all of the clients longer than my boss and suddenly he is paranoid. If I don't sign it and get terminated, can I receive unemployment benefits? I'm leery to sign anything that might prevent me from getting a job in the future, I know all of the clients longer than my boss does!!

1 answer  |  asked Aug 9, 2011 3:41 PM [EST]  |  applies to New York

Answers (1)

Patricia Pastor
To your question simply, your employer can terminate your employment if you refuse to sign a non-compete agreement that your employer is requiring its employees to sign. It would not be an unlawful termination.

Depending on the language of the agreement, you may want to consider signing it. I would recommend having it reviewed by an attorney, who can then advise you.

posted by Patricia Pastor  |  Aug 9, 2011 5:40 PM [EST]

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