Note: This page is for employers. If you are an employee, please visit our settlement agreements for employees page.
Where an employer needs to terminate an employee’s contract, they might use a settlement agreement in order to do so.
A settlement agreement is a type of legally binding contract between an employer and employee which usually outlines the terms and conditions under which an employee’s contract will be terminated. It may also be used to resolve a dispute so that both parties have an option to move forward.
When a settlement agreement is signed, the employer agrees on a sum of money that the employee will be paid, and by accepting this settlement the employee agrees that they will not attempt to proceed with legal action against the employer.
Such agreements are used in a variety of different situations, for instance, to make an employee redundant, or to resolve claims of discrimination or unfair dismissal.
When you’re considering signing a settlement agreement, it’s important that you access expert settlement agreement advice for employers. Our solicitors can provide assistance with all settlement agreement related matters, including:
- Legal advice on settlement agreements for employers
- Drafting settlement agreements
- Negotiating settlement agreements
- Alternative dispute resolution
Contact our settlement agreement solicitors for employers
You can contact us during our office hours of 9am-5pm at your local branch in Romford, Gidea Park or Collier Row by giving us a call on:
- Romford – 01708 745183
- Gidea Park – 01708 333711
- Collier Row – 01708 743727
Alternatively, contact us at any hour of the day by filling in our online enquiry form, and we will get in touch.
Our settlement agreement expertise
Legal advice on settlement agreements for employers
If you are considering terminating an employee’s contract by way of settlement agreement, our solicitors can provide you with expert advice tailored to the circumstances.
We appreciate that your situation may be sensitive, and will ensure to do all that we can to help you protect your interests. We have ample experience providing settlement agreement advice for employers and will ensure that you have a full understanding of your obligations each step of the way.
Drafting settlement agreements
Our specialist solicitors can draft your settlement agreement, tailoring the terms to the relevant details. We can also review settlement agreements that an employee has presented you with, suggesting any necessary revisions to safeguard your interests.
At F Barnes, our expert solicitors will help ensure that you fully understand the terms and conditions of any agreement, and that your agreement complies with the appropriate regulations and laws.
Negotiating settlement agreements
We can assist employers with negotiating settlement agreements with employees, helping you to reach a settlement with the employee in question. These stages tend to involve discussions concerning compensation, non-disclosure clauses, reference letters, and any other terms that might be relevant.
We can include clauses to safeguard employers from any claims in the future, as well as confidentiality clauses, to protect any sensitive details and your company reputation.
Alternative dispute resolution
In certain situations, our solicitors may recommend using alternative dispute resolution methods, to resolve issues between employers and employees, before proceeding to offer, or negotiating settlement agreements.
Our team will advise you as to whether alternative dispute resolution is appropriate for your case at the earliest opportunity. To discuss your options today, please contact our settlement agreement solicitors for employers.
Frequently asked questions about settlement agreements
What are the benefits of settlement agreements for employers?
When a settlement agreement is correctly drafted, that agreement is legally binding, meaning that the employer is protected and that the employee cannot make any claims against them in the future.
It is generally more cost efficient for an employer to reach a settlement agreement with an employee, compared to the alternatives, such as settling a dispute in an employment tribunal.
Does an employer have to pay for legal advice for settlement agreements?
Yes, if you would like to access legal advice about settlement agreements, our solicitors will provide a reasonable quote based on the level of legal support that you require.
To discuss you legal needs and fees today, please contact our experts at F Barnes.
When might an employer use a settlement agreement?
There are various situations whereby an employer might use a settlement agreement, these include:
- Where an employer would like to make an employee redundant and wants to ensure that the employee does not bring a claim against them later.
- Where an employer is terminating an employee’s contract and would like to protect themselves from an unfair dismissal claim.
- Where an employee chooses to resign because of a breach of contract committed by the employer and the parties would like to settle the dispute without the need for an employment tribunal.
- Where an employee alleges that they have faced discrimination, based on protected characteristics such as gender or sexual orientation.
Contact our settlement agreement solicitors for employers
For settlement agreement advice for employers, contact our experts at F Barnes. We can provide the expert guidance that you will need.
You can contact us during our office hours of 9am-5pm at your local branch in Romford, Gidea Park or Collier Row by giving us a call on:
- Romford – 01708 745183
- Gidea Park – 01708 333711
- Collier Row – 01708 743727
Alternatively, contact us at any hour of the day by filling in our online enquiry form, and we will get in touch.
We endeavour to return all enquiries the same or next working day, and you will be able to speak to someone within our employment team straightaway.