X casual employee in trouble. please HELP

Question

I was employed for aprox. 7 days as casual. I rang up and quite over the phone, because I felt very uneasy about job and wasn't given enough instruction on the first and only shift I did.

I am very keen to still work in the industry and am looking for employment.

Now a few weeks later I get a phone call from my X employers saying that I'm not aloud to work in the field or line of work anywhere in a 100 km. radius of them. Apparently i signed a contract saying "If I leave there company, I will not be aloud to work in the industry, for anyone, in 100 km. of their building"

Now whats the go with that. They said If I do (get employed by anyone else in the same industry or field) they will find out and I will be hearing from their Solicitors.

Can someone please give advise.. ?

Please thanks to anyone who can explain whats going on. I'm not a very strong reader (literacy) and I was nervouse. I just skipped over the fine print. The guy was rushing me. It was all very upsetting.

I learnt my lesson.

Thank you

Answer 1

I signed samething on one of my jobs and yes they can keep you from doing this.  They are afraid you will get their customers or tell their tactics. Or give ideas to the next employer that is in competition with them.  However the paperwork you signed should have gave a time limit like for the next 2 yrs.  Mine did.   Okay so you said your is 6 mths.  You have to wait.   It is legal and it is a contract you signed.  

Answer 2

The contract is signed.  It's possible you can talk to them and they will let you work elsewhere, as you were not there very long.

Answer 3

I am going to assume that you are in the UK. based upon your question. And yet I am going to give you an answer that covers most of the States and likely covering over there.

Restriction Covenants are usually enforceable however are interpreted very strictly.

Here are the usual questions...

Did you work in the field before? If so they would have a tough time enforcing.

Is there a set distance in the covenant (In this case there is and it would be considered reasonable)

Is there a set time frame? (You do not mention one and if not would make it difficult to enforce)

Have they given you information that if you used would put them at a disadvantage? (If so then if they take you to court they are likely to win)

Now that you know the rules, remember they have to know that you are employed in the field and then they have to ask a judge to enforce their covenant. If you feel strongly enough about it then make sure you fight them