Restrictive Covenants
Exclusivity during the engagement
An exclusivity clause can require you to say no to other paying clients while this engagement runs. That is reasonable if the client is paying a retainer to reserve your time, but not if it is bolted onto a normal project fee. If you are asked to be exclusive, it usually makes sense for that to be paid for.
What to look for
Whether the freelancer must work only for this client (or not for competitors) during the engagement, and whether that exclusivity is paid for. Exclusivity without a retainer removes your ability to earn elsewhere for free.
How Clause rates it
RedFull exclusivity requiring the freelancer to turn away all other work (or all competitor work) with no retainer or minimum spend compensating for the lost income.
AmberPartial or vaguely worded exclusivity, or exclusivity limited to direct competitors without a clear time limit or compensation.
GreenNo exclusivity, or exclusivity that is paid for through a retainer or guaranteed minimum, and clearly bounded in time and scope.
Wording you can ask for
Suggested redline
The Freelancer is free to provide services to other clients. If the Client requires exclusivity or priority availability, that will be agreed in writing and covered by a monthly retainer of £[amount].
See this on your own contract.
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