Lack of Compensation. Under the final Noncompete Rule, the FTC adopts a comprehensive ban on new noncompetes with all workers, including senior executives.Essentially, noncompete clauses limit an employee's opportunity to excel in whatever skill or trade they're familiar with. On April 23, 2024, the US Federal Trade Commission voted 32 to finalize and promulgate a rule banning most noncompete clauses in employeremployee contracts. Explore the enforceability of North Carolina non-compete agreements, focusing on the "blue-pencil" rule and reasonable time and territory limits. Collins, 67 N.C. App. 540, 313 S.E.2d 614. Because of this, employers often ask for you to sign a noncompete agreement in NC as a condition of working for them. These agreements must be made prior to the individual's performance of service. A noncompete clause may be part of the worker's employment contract or may be contained in a standalone contract.