Non-compete clauses cover at least one in five workers and have spread to many low-wage occupations such as childcare educators and clerical workers, according to the first look at the prevalence of employment restraints in Australia.

Research from economists at the e61 Institute found that 50 per cent of workers surveyed were subject to some post-employment restraint, including non-disclosure and no-poaching clauses, and 22 per cent were barred from working for competitors under non-compete clauses.