A construction equipment salesman who moved to a rival company in Christchurch has been ordered not to start his new job until October, to limit his ability to pass on confidential information or steal clients.
Norman Barber worked for the construction hire company Accessman until April, when he left to join its rival, Hirepool.
Accessman complained to the Employment Relations Authority because his contract contained a six-month non-competition clause.
Mr Barber argued his new role was different and that voided the clause, but the authority has ruled in favour of Accessman.
The company told the authority the market for construction equipment in Christchurch is cut-throat, and every client is vital.
