What is being paid?
Understand what each payment relates to, when it is due and whether notice, holiday, commission or bonus are addressed separately.
INDEPENDENT ADVICE FOR EMPLOYEES
Settlement agreement advice before you sign
Your employer may have offered a settlement agreement to record the terms of leaving or to resolve a workplace dispute. Before you accept, it is important to understand the payment, the conditions attached and which legal claims the agreement is intended to settle.
Specialism
Employment law solicitors
Coverage
England and Wales
Professional status
SRA-regulated practice
START WITH THE ESSENTIALS
What is a settlement agreement?
A settlement agreement is a written agreement used to settle specified employment claims or record agreed terms, often when an employment relationship ends. It may include a payment, a reference and conditions about confidentiality or future work.
A properly drafted agreement can affect your ability to bring certain claims. For the relevant statutory requirements to be met, independent advice is necessary before you sign.
The details matter: your solicitor can explain what the agreement covers and how the clauses affect your particular situation.
REVIEW THE TERMS
What should you check before accepting?
Independent legal advice is more than reading the headline compensation figure. The right issues depend on your circumstances.
When does employment end?
Check the proposed leaving date, any notice arrangements, continuing benefits and practical obligations before departure.
What restrictions remain?
Consider confidentiality, non-disparagement and restrictive covenants that may affect what happens after employment ends.
What will be said about you?
Reference and announcement wording may matter for future applications, professional relationships and confidentiality.
Which rights are affected?
The agreement should identify the particular claims it addresses. A solicitor can explain its legal effect and the advice requirements.
Do you want to clarify terms?
You can discuss uncertainties and whether negotiation may be appropriate. There is no guarantee that the employer will change the offer.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions before you get in touch
Clear information to help you decide the right next step.
Do I have to accept the offer?
Settlement agreements are voluntary. You do not have to sign simply because your employer has proposed one. Your specific options depend on the circumstances.
Why do I need independent advice?
For a settlement agreement to validly waive relevant statutory employment claims, the applicable legal requirements include advice from a relevant independent adviser on the agreement and its effect.
Will my employer pay for the advice?
Some employers offer a contribution to legal advice costs, but they are not legally required to do so in every case. The amount and scope should be checked.
Can I ask for changes?
You can ask a solicitor whether particular points are suitable for clarification or negotiation. Any change depends on the circumstances and the other party’s agreement.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Talk to Springhouse Client Care
We help employees understand agreements, sign-off and potential negotiation. You can call our dedicated settlement agreement number or send a callback request. Client Care can explain practical next steps and discuss arranging independent advice.
Springhouse Solicitors is a trading name of Kilgannon & Partners LLP, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA number 655674). Initial enquiries are handled by Client Care and do not constitute legal advice. Privacy Policy.