Settlement Agreements for Employees

When an employee and their employer part ways due to redundancy, a complaint or a particular grievance, it can often lead to a dispute. As a result, it’s now common for employees in this situation to be offered a settlement agreement by their employer when they leave their job early.

What is a settlement agreement?

A settlement agreement is a legal contract which ends the relationship between you and your employer on jointly agreed terms.

As part of this agreement, it is normal for your employer to agree to pay you a sum of money. They may also agree to provide you with a reference for future employment.

In return, under the terms of this agreement, you agree not to pursue an employment tribunal claim against your employer for terminating your employment because of a particular complaint. This could include discrimination, such as sex discrimination, age discrimination or racial discrimination. It can also include bullying in the workplace or another form of unfair treatment during your employment.

For the agreement to be signed, you must receive advice from an independent adviser, such as a specialist employment solicitor.

Case study | settlement agreement negotiation

Our employment law expertise

Barcan+Kirby’s employment lawyers can advise employees going through redundancy or the termination of their contract on any settlement agreement received from their employer.

Our employment solicitors can advise you on the consequences of signing your agreement, as well as explain the meaning of particular clauses to you and negotiate on your behalf with your employer for better terms.

Our fees

Although it’s common for employers to contribute to the costs of settlement agreements, sometimes they provide a limited budget. Our fixed-fee packages are designed to help you keep the costs of your advice under control. Our packages start from £450 + VAT.

If your employer’s contribution doesn’t quite cover your legal costs, our employment law solicitors can sometimes help you negotiate an increased budget.

Case study | settlement agreement increased by 40% after negotiation with employer

Get in touch with our settlement agreement solicitors in Bristol and South Gloucestershire

Our employment lawyers work with employees across the UK from our offices in Bedminster, Bishopston, Bristol city centre, Kingswood and Thornbury. To speak to a specialist solicitor, call us on 0117 325 2929 or complete our online contact form.

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    • "Barcan+Kirby helped me at very short notice with a settlement agreement. Very professional advice from a very caring Associate. I would recommend them for any employment dispute."
      AnonEmployment Client
    • "Natalie gave me great advice and understood my predicament, especially as I was given a tight deadline from my previous employer."
      Anon Employment Client
    • "Samantha was very helpful. She was knowledgeable and friendly which put me at ease. I would recommend Barcan+Kirby to anyone needing legal support."
      Anon Employment Client
    • “This is the second time our company has used the services of Barcan+Kirby. On this occasion we required our Contract of Employment to be reviewed to bring it up to date in line with current employment law. Samantha was an absolute pleasure to deal with. She was extremely knowledgeable, professional and took the time to fully understand our business to ensure that we included all the relevant clauses for our current business as well as looking ahead at our future growth plans. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Samantha to provide legal advice on employment issues.”
      AnonEmployment Client
    • "Natalie was very friendly and efficient, and made me feel like I was the number one priority."
      Ms BEmployment Client

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