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Whether you need to challenge unfair treatment, prepare a contract, or resolve a workplace issue quickly and discreetly, we offer clear, affordable legal guidance to help you move forward.
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your employer that brings your employment or a workplace dispute to an end. In most cases, you agree not to bring any future claims against your employer, and in return, you usually receive a financial payment and other agreed terms, such as a reference.
Employers offer settlement agreements for many reasons, including redundancies, disputes about performance, grievances, long-term sickness, or where the working relationship has broken down. They are designed to give both sides a clean and final resolution without going through a lengthy process or an Employment Tribunal.
To start an Employment Tribunal claim, you must first complete ACAS Early Conciliation, which is required for most types of claims. If the issue isn’t resolved, ACAS will give you an Early Conciliation Certificate, and you can use this to proceed.
You can then submit your claim online using the ET1 form, outlining what happened and what you are claiming for. It’s important to complete the form accurately and within the deadline, so many people get legal advice before submitting to make sure their claim is properly prepared.
If you accept voluntary redundancy, you will usually receive the same statutory entitlements as anyone made redundant, plus any enhanced payment your employer chooses to offer. This typically includes statutory redundancy pay (based on your age, length of service, and weekly pay), your notice pay, any outstanding holiday pay, and any other contractual payments you’re owed.
Many employers offer a higher redundancy package to encourage staff to volunteer, so it’s important to check how the offer has been calculated and what additional terms are included. Legal advice can help you understand whether the payment is fair and whether you should negotiate before agreeing.
Voluntary severance pay is usually based on your length of service, age, and weekly pay, similar to redundancy calculations. Many employers also offer an enhanced package to encourage staff to volunteer, which may mean more weeks of pay or additional benefits compared with standard redundancy terms.
Because each employer sets their own formula, it’s important to check how the offer has been calculated and whether it reflects your contract and service. Getting legal advice can help you understand the calculation and decide if the package is fair.
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