A settlement agreement ends your employment on agreed terms in exchange for you giving up the right to bring certain claims. You must get independent legal advice for it to be valid, which is why employers usually contribute to the cost.
We'll tell you honestly whether the offer reflects the strength of any claim you'd be giving up.
The payment
Check how your payment is split. The first £30,000 of a genuine termination payment is usually tax-free, but notice pay, holiday and bonuses are taxed as normal. A good solicitor will make sure the agreement says this correctly.
Reference and announcements
An agreed reference can matter as much as the money. Ask for the wording to be attached to the agreement, and agree how your departure will be announced to colleagues and clients.
Restrictive covenants
Many agreements repeat or extend restrictions on working for competitors or contacting clients. These can affect your next role, so we review whether they're reasonable and negotiate them down where possible.
Is the offer fair?
We'll tell you honestly whether the offer reflects the strength of any claim you'd be giving up. Often a short, well-argued letter is enough to improve the terms. Every case is different, so treat this as general information rather than advice on your situation.
