FTC shifts focus on non-competes

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on Sept. 5 that it has dropped its appeals of injunctions blocking its proposed nationwide non-compete ban and has voted 3-1 to begin rescinding the rule – signaling the end of its push for a blanket ban amid new leadership. However, on Sept. 10, the FTC urged major employers in the healthcare and staffing sectors to review their employment agreements – including any non-competes or other restrictive agreements – for legal compliance, indicating the agency remains focused on non-compete practices in those sectors. It also launched a public inquiry, open through Nov. 3, to gather input that may guide broader enforcement across other industries.