One of my friends works for a small company (20-30 people I think) which is going under (from what my buddy tells me, I'm amazed they're still open).
He was asked by the owner of his company to sign a document “promising” he wouldn't leave. They know people are going to abandon ship and are making cuts based off who did or didn't sign the document.
He reached out to me and told me he signed but he's looking for work. He feels like an ass, but I told him he shouldn't worry.
I also work for a small firm that's running into financial issues. Colleague told us they overheard at one of the lunches they were going to do the same here.
I'm wondering the legality of this practice, how common is it, and which is the best option?