Settlement Agreements

Let our expert lawyers negotiate the best agreement for you

Call us on 01782 205000 or 0161 929 8494

Usually No Cost To You

Employers usually pay for, or contribute to, your legal fees when settlement agreements are being negotiated.

Same Day Appointments

Being handed a settlement agreement can be worrying and emotive, which is why we guarantee a swift turnaround.

Talk to an Expert Lawyer

Our solicitors provide jargon-free advice and are experienced in securing the best possible outcomes for clients.

Five-Star Service

We have a five-star Google rating and can advise on your settlement agreement by phone, video call, email or in person.

Arranging Your Settlement Agreement

What is a Settlement Agreement?

A settlement agreement is a legal document that ends your employment by mutual agreement with your employer.

Payment of a lump sum and sometimes other benefits usually form part of the agreement.

Settlement agreements are used when the relationship between employer and employee has broken down but are also frequently used as an alternative to going through a full redundancy process.

The agreement draws a line under everything that has gone before, enabling employer and employee to move on.

Very often employers make a contribution towards employee legal fees when a settlement agreement is required.

Why You Need an Expert Lawyer

When you sign a settlement agreement you are signing a legal document. It is, therefore, essential that you do so under the guidance of an expert employment solicitor, otherwise the agreement will not be binding.

By signing the agreement, you are relinquishing any right to bring legal action against your employer.

Your solicitor will go through the settlement agreement in detail with you to ensure the contents are correct and that you fully understand the implications of signing the document.

Once you sign the settlement agreement, it is legally binding and both parties must adhere to all of the requirements that are set out in it.

Step-by-step guide

What to do if you are offered a Settlement Agreement

Most people who are offered a settlement agreement have never needed an employment lawyer before and can feel quite anxious and emotional. This is perfectly normal, so try not to worry.

Once you’ve received your settlement agreement, here’s what you should do:

Don’t panic! You may feel shocked, upset and worried, especially if you are coming to terms with potential loss of income or beginning the search for a new job but try not to panic. Your solicitor will support you through the settlement agreement process and negotiate the best possible deal for you.

Get good legal advice. Without independent legal advice, the agreement will not be binding. Very often your employer will pay all or some of your legal costs, so remember to ask them whether they will pay your legal fees.
Work out your finances. Normally the first £30,000 is tax-free but payment in lieu of notice and notice pay generally is subject to usual deductions. Employers are required to tax as earnings the part of a termination payment that is equivalent to the earnings you would have received had your notice period been worked in full.
Be discrete and don’t tell everyone about the agreement. It is usually a term of the agreement that no party will discuss that it even exists, let alone the terms themselves.

By choosing Beswicks Legal you can have absolute peace of mind that you are receiving the best possible advice and support.

Why choose Beswicks Legal

Your Trusted Experts for Settlement Agreements

Our employment solicitors have significant experience of guiding people through the settlement agreement process, negotiating the most favourable terms for clients and ensuring your interests are protected.

Settlement agreements are increasingly being used where an employee has applied for voluntary redundancy. Some employers call this a voluntary severance scheme or a mutually agreed redundancy scheme, commonly known as MARS.

Generally, employers using these schemes will require you to get independent legal advice prior to signing the agreement.

Very often employers pay for or contribute to the legal fees associated with a settlement agreement, so there is usually no cost to you.

The Benefits

Qualified Solicitors
Your case will be dealt with by a qualified employment solicitor who has significant experience of negotiating settlement agreements.
Independent jargon-free advice
We'll explain everything to you clearly, making sure you know the implications of the agreement and are 100% happy with it before you make the decision to sign.
Swift service
For many people this is a stressful time, so we make sure we deal with your settlement agreement swiftly and efficiently, so that you can resolve the matter and move on with your career.

Your questions answered

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for sorting out at settlement agreement?

We will review the terms of the agreement and explain them to you, discussing how the agreement came about. If you are happy to proceed, you will sign the agreement.

We will also sign the document and send it to your employer on your behalf. You will receive a completed copy of the settlement agreement.

If your leaving date is in the future, you should work as normal until then, otherwise you are no longer an employee and, subject to the terms of the agreement, are free to get a new job, retire, take a work break or even a holiday.

Do I have to pay upfront for a settlement agreement?

If your employer is paying the cost of your legal fees, we will invoice them directly on your behalf.

Why do I need a solicitor?

A settlement agreement is a legal document. Without legal advice the agreement is not binding.

Will my lump sum be tax-free?

The first £30,000 is usually tax-free but notice pay is taxable.

Is a settlement agreement confidential?

Most settlement agreements state that you must not discuss the terms of the agreement with anyone else. Sometimes you must keep secret that the agreement exists at all.

What our clients say

I would have no hesitation for a moment in recommending Beswicks to anyone.
Jan Williams

Excellent advice and support which in turn gave my confidence a much-needed boost.
Mr SH

More like a confidant than a lawyer. Put my interests first at all times.
Karen Burton

Amazing and turned around my legal documents in less than 24-hours.
S Darcy

Calm and clear reassurance that makes you feel understood and listened to.
Michaleen Hilton

Clear, concise and informative.
Roy

Highly recommended. Personable and efficient.
Mike West

Calm and no-nonsense realistic advice made what was a very stressful situation palatable.
Mr L