Legal advice for employees: Speak to an expert
Know your rights as an employee. Get independent advice from our legal experts on your employment law settlement agreement, so you understand exactly what you’re signing and what it means for you.
In most cases, your legal advice will be paid for by your employer. So we can offer our professional expertise, at no cost to you.
How we can help you
We can help you to understand what you are entitled to, what your obligations will be and what the agreement covers, before you sign it. We’ll talk to you in plain English, not in legal jargon, so it’s really clear exactly what the settlement agreement says, and what you’ll receive.
What to bring to the appointment
When you book your appointment, we’ll tell you what you should bring according to your specific circumstances. But as a general rule, it’s good to bring
- A copy of the draft settlement agreement
- A copy of your employment contract and any other contractual documents, e.g. entitlement to a bonus or share scheme
- If your matter relates to a workplace dispute (grievance or disciplinary), a copy of the employer’s disciplinary & grievancepolicy and any supporting correspondence or documentation
In addition, you’ll need to bring along two forms of ID if you haven’t used the firm before.
Book your appointment today
What exactly is a settlement agreement in employment law?
A settlement agreement is a contract between the employer and the employee when employment is terminated under particular circumstances.
This contract outlines the terms and conditions under which the employment relationship is terminated.
It normally involves the employer making a financial payout to the employee, in exchange for the employee agreeing to waive any legal claims against the employer. Settlement agreements can be used in a wide variety of situations, including:
- Redundancy
- Grievances and disciplinary matters
- Termination of your contract when you haven’t broken the terms of your employment.
Why am I being asked to sign a settlement agreement?
When you accept the terms of a settlement agreement, you will no longer have any right to make a claim against your employer in an employment tribunal
So, you may be offered a settlement agreement if:
- Your employer wishes to terminate your employment for reasons unrelated to your performance
- You are being made redundant
- There is an ongoing dispute between you and your employer
For the agreement to be legally enforceable, employees must have access to independent, impartial legal advice. Contact our employment law specialists today for an appointment.