Depending on the circumstances, voluntary severance may involve enhanced payments, settlement agreements, notice arrangements, and tax considerations. You should also understand how applications are assessed, whether the employer can refuse a request, and what rights you may be giving up.
We offer fixed-fee advice to help you assess the proposal, understand your legal position, and make informed decisions about your next steps. Call us on 01524 907100 for a quote.
What We Do
We support individuals and businesses with:
- Assessing Voluntary Severance Proposals – reviewing whether the offer is legally sound, financially appropriate, and consistent with workplace policies
- Voluntary Severance Process Advice – advising on eligibility criteria, application processes, employer discretion, and documentation
- Reviewing Severance Terms and Payments – assessing enhanced packages, notice arrangements, holiday pay, bonuses, and tax treatment
- Settlement Agreement Advice – providing the independent legal advice required for a valid settlement agreement and negotiating improved terms where appropriate
- Alternatives to Voluntary Severance – exploring redeployment, flexible working, or other restructuring options
- Negotiating Exit Packages – seeking improved financial terms, agreed references, and post-termination protections
- Challenging or Defending Exit Decisions – where disputes arise regarding acceptance, fairness, discrimination, or pressure to agree
Voluntary Severance Issues We Advise On
We provide guidance on a wide range of voluntary severance matters, including:
- Distinguishing Voluntary Severance from Redundancy – understanding the legal implications and how rights may differ
- Eligibility and Selection Criteria – ensuring any selection or acceptance process is fair, objective, and non-discriminatory
- Enhanced Severance Payments – reviewing whether the financial package reflects contractual and statutory entitlements
- Settlement Agreements and Waiver of Claims – ensuring employees understand what claims they are giving up and that agreements are legally valid
- Discrimination or Unfair Treatment – where voluntary severance is offered selectively or applied in a way that disadvantages protected groups
- Voluntary Severance During Family Leave or Sickness Absence – including issues involving maternity leave, long-term sickness, or disability
Why Choose Pre-Law?
Voluntary severance is not simply an administrative process. It can have long-term financial and legal consequences for both employers and employees.
We provide practical advice tailored to your circumstances, helping you assess risk, protect your position, and make informed decisions.
Whether you are considering accepting a voluntary severance package or designing one as part of a restructure, we will guide you through the process and help minimise the risk of future disputes.