Settlement Agreement Solicitors

To be valid, a settlement agreement requires advice from a relevant independent adviser. We will explain the agreement in plain English, confirm it meets the legal requirements, and tell you whether the offer looks fair in context.

You should never sign a settlement agreement without understanding its full impact. Many agreements are drafted to protect the employer. Without advice, you may:

• Accept less compensation than you are entitled to
• Agree to restrictive terms that affect your future employment
• Waive valuable claims without realising it

Our role is to make sure the agreement is fair, balanced, and in your best interests.

1. You send us your settlement agreement
2. We review the document and arrange a consultation
3. We explain your position and advise on next steps
4. We negotiate with your employer if required
5. We sign the agreement once you are satisfied

When reviewing your agreement, we focus on both legal rights and practical outcomes. We will:

• Explain the terms in clear, plain English
• Assess whether the financial offer is reasonable
• Identify any unfair or restrictive clauses
• Advise on your rights, including potential claims
• Negotiate improved terms where appropriate

We aim to give you clarity and confidence before you make any decision.

A redundancy settlement agreement is one of the most common scenarios. Employers often offer enhanced redundancy packages in exchange for signing an agreement, but the offer may not always reflect your full entitlement. We will review:

• Whether the redundancy process was fair
• Whether the compensation is appropriate
• Whether additional payments can be negotiated

This ensures you are not leaving money or rights behind.

Some payments under a settlement agreement may be tax-free, while others are subject to PAYE. Understanding this distinction is important. We will:

• Explain which parts of your settlement are taxable
• Ensure the agreement is structured correctly
• Help avoid unexpected tax liabilities

This is particularly important in higher-value or complex agreements.

Settlement agreements are often linked to early conciliation through ACAS. If you have already started a dispute, your employer may offer a settlement to resolve it without tribunal proceedings. We can advise on:

• Whether the offer reflects the strength of your case
• Whether you should accept or negotiate
• The risks of proceeding to tribunal instead

This allows you to make an informed decision based on both legal and practical factors.

Most employers contribute towards your legal fees for settlement agreement advice. This is usually sufficient to cover:

• Reviewing the agreement
• Advising you on its terms
• Signing the agreement

If additional work is required, such as negotiation, we will discuss fees with you clearly before proceeding.

We understand that being offered a settlement agreement can feel uncertain. Our approach is straightforward:

• Clear advice without legal jargon
• Fast turnaround to meet employer deadlines
• Practical guidance focused on your outcome

We are here to support you through the process and ensure your position is protected.

If you have received a settlement agreement, time is often limited. Getting advice early gives you the best chance to secure a fair outcome.