Can an employer restrict you from working anywhere in a similar field if you are terminated?

Check with the labor division in your state or local area. Employers can require to sign no-compete agreements, but they are not allowed to restrict you so much that you can not make a living in your given field.

Unless the restriction is in writing and you signed it they may be able to enforce it. On the other hand if you were forced to sign it to save your job, you may have an out. A contract signed under duress is not enforceable.

In addition, unless the current employer has some process that is proprietary that they want to protect, they may have a legitimate concern.

If two or more employees refuse to sign and the employer terminates those employees, they can file a charge with the National Labor Relations Board, since they are engaging in "protective activity"

Besides, how will they know if you are working for a competitor?

Yes they can if it is in your comntract they can limt for a period of time not forever . Yopu working in a similar filed or for a competitior .

Look for work else wher thease contracxts are not in keep with free entrpise and free trade the stifle it and help keep wages low .

Like another person saiud a coered contract is not binding .if yopu sign it only to keep your job they may well be breaking the law.

So be carefule and if you can find a place that fdoes not have such things as if they use fear to keep employees in line theyare prbably not a good place to work and have a hard time retaining employees .

Yes they can do it, it's called a 'non-cmpetetive agreement'. I am not sure since you already are employed there if you HAVE to sign it. Contact the labor board in your state - before you risk your career you need to find out the correct answer.

I would check with your state emploment office or a lawyer before signing if already employed.

But even if you do sign, it's very hard to enforce something like that. Even if it goes to court.

YES IF YOU SIGNED AGREEMENT WHEN HIRED.

COMPANIES PROVIDE TRAINING IN SOME AREA AND EXPECT YOU TO WORK MINIMUN TIME-----TO RECOVER THEIR INVESTMNT.

IF YOU LEAVE OR GET FIRD---THEY CAN PROHIBIT YOU FROM WORKING IF AGREED UPON AT HIRING.....

MUST BE IN WRITING........

yes they can . . I was put in the same situtation and if I did not sign then I would loose my job . . .

If you agree to it, they can do it. Work somewhere else.