This clause requires you to keep the employer's secrets (business plans, client lists, financial data, product designs) confidential for a set period—often "during employment and for X years after." This matters legally because confidentiality is a core employment duty, and breaching it can lead to injunctions, damages, or criminal charges if trade secrets are involved. The duration is important: a 5-year restriction is much tougher than a 1-year one, and "indefinite" confidentiality is rare but sometimes enforceable for genuinely secret information (like a formula or patent).
This is low-risk because confidentiality is reasonable and expected. However, check the duration—anything over 3 years is aggressive unless you work with genuinely sensitive secrets (pharma, tech, finance). Make sure the clause defines what counts as "confidential" (not just "anything the employer says is secret"). If it's vague, ask for examples or a narrower definition. Also check whether it survives after you leave—most should, but it shouldn't prevent you from using general skills or knowledge you've gained. ---
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this clause mean in simple terms?
This clause requires you to keep the employer's secrets (business plans, client lists, financial data, product designs) confidential for a set period—often "during employment and for X years after." This matters legally because confidentiality is a core employment duty, and breaching it can lead to injunctions, damages, or criminal charges if trade secrets are involved.
Why should I care about this clause?
The duration is important: a 5-year restriction is much tougher than a 1-year one, and "indefinite" confidentiality is rare but sometimes enforceable for genuinely secret information (like a formula or patent).