Can my boss stop me setting up my own business in my spare time?

An employment lawyer says there’s no blanket ban on setting up a business in spare time, but permission depends on contracts, workplace policies and the nature of the venture. Glenn Hayes, partner at Hill Dickinson in Liverpool, advises employees to speak to their employer early—before investing significant time or money—so they can understand expectations and available options. The starting point is the employment contract, including any requirements to disclose outside business interests, directorships or secondary employment, with some needing prior approval and risking disciplinary action if ignored. Hayes also flags competition and conflicts of interest even when a side hustle doesn’t directly overlap day-to-day, plus strict confidentiality duties. He adds that employees must not use employer resources or confidential information, and that IP ownership may not automatically belong to the employee if developed with employer time or resources. Performance, working hours and health-and-safety duties can also be factors.