Settlement agreement advice

Have you been offered a settlement agreement by your employer? You need to fully understand the document before you sign it. To be legally binding, an independent solicitor or adviser must explain the terms and effect.

We advise on thousands of these documents each year across multiple industries and sectors. We will simplify the terms for you and explain what they mean. We will also identify any changes necessary to protect your position.

What is a settlement agreement?

A settlement agreement is a document that settles employment disputes between employees and their employers. In return for a payment or other benefit, employees agree to waive their legal rights to pursue any claims.

Deciding what to do about a settlement agreement and understanding its terms can be confusing.

We will simplify the terms for you and explain what they mean. We will also identify any changes necessary to protect your position.

Your employer will pay your legal fees for advice on the terms and effect of the agreement. Only in very limited circumstances will you pay legal costs e.g. if you choose to negotiate.

A step-by-step guide to settlement agreements

1: You receive a settlement agreement from your employer

2: Contact us

If you are offered a settlement agreement you need to fully understand the document before you sign it. To be legally binding, an independent solicitor or adviser must explain the terms and effect. Send the draft agreement to us at [email protected] with your name and phone number. We’ll arrange an appointment.

3: Get expert legal advice

4: Sign the agreement

Once you are happy with the agreement and any changes have been agreed, you can sign it. Your solicitor will also sign an adviser’s certificate to confirm that advice has been given. When fully executed it will be a legally binding contract.

5: Settled

The agreement will then prevent you from pursuing any claims, and you must ensure that you comply with all of the obligations set out within it.

6: What about fees?

Your employer will pay your legal fees for advice on the terms and effect of the agreement. Only in very limited circumstances will you pay legal costs e.g. if you choose to negotiate. If you need additional advice, we will discuss costs with you in advance.

Settlement agreement advice

What is a settlement agreement?

A step-by-step guide to settlement agreements