Founders of UK AI companies Ineffable, Recursive and Fractile have written to the government asking it to restrict non-compete clauses and lengthy notice periods. The letter, reported by Sifted, argues that these contractual terms lock top researchers out of the labour market and make it harder for young AI startups to hire senior talent.
Organised by London-based Fractile, the letter also calls for a cap on notice periods and a ban on non-competes for senior technical roles, according to the report. The founders say the UK risks falling behind if researchers are stuck in gardening leave while they could be building new companies.
The campaign echoes similar pressure in the US to limit non-compete agreements. A government spokesperson said the matter has been carefully considered and a response will come in due course.