New cap on public sector exit payments set to be introduced
Last month, the government finally published draft regulations setting out how it intends to limit pay-offs to public sector workers, nearly four years after it first said it would tackle the issue of six-figure termination packages. On 10 April, the… Read on
New restrictions on use of non-disclosure clauses in settlement agreements
The government has launched a consultation on curbing the use of so-called gagging clauses in settlement agreements and employment contracts. The consultation runs until 29 April 2019. The current position When an employee leaves employment, they may agreement a termination… Read on
Negotiated exits: how to secure the best deal
Despite presiding over an IT meltdown earlier this year at high street bank, TSB, it has been reported that CEO, Paul Pester, walked away with a significant sum after resigning with immediate effect at the start of September. Clearly he… Read on
Ex-employee fails to prevent negative reference from employer
Just how careful does an employer need to be when writing a reference that contains negative opinions? A recent High Court case brings some much-needed clarity to the murky issue of what employers can and can not say when giving… Read on
Taxation of termination payments: some changes delayed
It was previously announced that the Government intended to start charging employer National Insurance Contributions on termination payments above £30,000 from April this year. However, it has now been confirmed that this change will not take effect until April 2019.… Read on
Were the parties bound by settlement agreed between their solicitors by email?
Yes, said the court in the case of Bieber & others v Teathers Ltd (in liquidation). Background During negotiations, the claimants in this matter accepted a settlement offer from the defendant, by email. The offer focused exclusively on the sum… Read on
What does “without prejudice” mean?
Discussions or correspondence during negotiations which are “without prejudice” cannot subsequently be disclosed as evidence in a Court or Employment Tribunal by either party, unless both agree to waive confidentiality. This is intended to encourage parties to settle… Read on