Virginia courts have upheld employment non-competes up to 2 years post-employment. If a non-compete is included in a business sale, it can be enforceable for a longer period, up to 5 years. If an employer's non-compete is for longer than 2 years, unless it is for the sale of a business, it will be held unenforceable.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on April 23, 2024, that non-compete agreements will be banned across the U.S. for most workers. This new rule will start in August 2024, 120 days after the FTC announced it.
On Jan. 16, 2024, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry announced that the average weekly wage for 2024 would be $1,410. As a result, employers are now prohibited from entering, enforcing or threatening to enforce a non-compete agreement with an employee who earns less than $73,320 per year.
Virginia courts have upheld employment non-competes up to 2 years post-employment. If a non-compete is included in a business sale, it can be enforceable for a longer period, up to 5 years. If an employer's non-compete is for longer than 2 years, unless it is for the sale of a business, it will be held unenforceable.
In Virginia, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements are enforceable only if they are narrowly drawn to protect the employer's legitimate business interests, are not unduly burdensome on the employee's ability to earn a living, and are not against public policy.
As you can see, non-competes are not enforceable in California, although other states currently allow them. Instead, you can opt for a non-disclosure agreement, or hire employees who live and work in other states.
Chapter 2 – How to Beat Your Virginia Non-Compete Get a copy of the agreement. Have an attorney review the agreement. Don't plan your new business at work! ... Do not advertise your new business until you know your non-compete agreement is not an issue. Be Honest. Seek legal action to determine validity of the agreement.
Lab. Code § 432.5). California employers who violate the ban may be found guilty of a misdemeanor and either fined up to $1,000, imprisoned up to six months, or both (Cal.