Home > Research Legal Advice > Employment / Labor > Signed documents in employment law in NJ. Employment agreement.
Asked 6 months ago - Whippany, NJ
FlagI have heard that even if the employer never signs the employment document it can still be deemed enforceable. What if there is a separate agreement, a confidentiality agreement that too is not signed and I am now terminated, and I never received either. I am curious if that confidentiality agreement can be deemed not enforceable on that basis? I also thought if it ever came to litigation and it was an issue the employer would just signe it then and say I don't know what they were talking about, here it is. They just never asked for a signed copy that was singed years ago. Then what?
I do not believe you have any concerns with complying with a confidentiality order. The concern should be if this is a non-compete agreement, which stops you from working in or near your former employer for a stated period of time. Such agreements (non-competes) must be reasonable to be enforced.
The fact you did not sign the agreement may not make a different as in NJ, you are an "at will" employee." You work so long as the employer agrees to employ you unless you are government or union employee with certain union or civil service protections. The only prohibition against termination is if it is done in violation of the NJ or Federal statutes prohibiting discrimination for age, sex, sexual orientation, religion or nationality.
Oral agreements can be enforced. The problem is proving that it was agreed to and that it was done knowingly.
You should contact an employment law attorney. I know at least two here in NJ in Livingston. You can reach me at 973-994-9080.
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