What is independent legal advice on a settlement agreement and why is it required?
Key Takeaways Independent legal advice on a settlement agreement is a legal requirement under section 203 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 for the agreement to be binding. Without independent legal advice, any waiver of your statutory rights, such as unfair dismissal or discrimination claims, will not be valid or enforceable. Only a qualified solicitor, […]
Payout for redundancy: statutory, enhanced and negotiated options explained
Key Takeaways Your payout for redundancy may include statutory redundancy pay, notice pay, plus enhanced or ex gratia amounts depending on your contract and negotiation. Statutory redundancy pay depends on your age, length of service, and weekly pay cap, with maximum limits set annually by the government. Enhanced or contractual redundancy pay can increase your […]
Garden leave: employee rights, pay, and settlement agreement strategy
Key Takeaways Garden leave means you stay employed and on full pay during your notice period but usually cannot start another job or contact clients. You are entitled to your normal salary, benefits, and holiday accrual throughout garden leave in the UK, including rights to a tax-free element of redundancy pay if eligible. Employers can […]
ACAS early conciliation: step-by-step guide, timelines, and settlement agreement tips
Key Takeaways ACAS early conciliation is a free and mandatory process giving employees a chance to resolve workplace disputes, including redundancy and unfair dismissal, before an employment tribunal claim. Starting ACAS early conciliation pauses tribunal time limits, preserving your rights and giving time to negotiate or seek a settlement agreement. If you reach a settlement […]
Discrimination settlement agreements in 2026: typical compensation ranges and key terms UK employees should review
Key Takeaways Discrimination settlement agreements in 2026: typical compensation ranges and key terms UK employees should review will help you understand if your offer is fair based on Vento bands and recent awards. Our solicitors can assess the value of your discrimination compensation, factoring in injury to feelings, financial loss, redundancy pay, and whether any […]
Settlement agreement tax: how the £30,000 threshold applies to redundancy and exit payments in 2026
Key Takeaways The £30,000 tax-free threshold for settlement payments applies in 2026 UK redundancy and exit deals, covering most statutory and ex gratia payments made on termination of employment. Any redundancy or settlement payment over £30,000 will be taxed under PAYE, and your employer must also pay Class 1A National Insurance Contributions on the excess. […]
New 2026 ACAS settlement agreement guidance: what employees must know before signing
Key Takeaways Under the New 2026 ACAS guidance on settlement agreements: what employees must know before signing this summer, you have a minimum 10-day period to consider any offer before signing. A settlement agreement is only legally binding if you get independent legal advice from a qualified SRA regulated solicitor, as required by s.203 Employment […]
Settlement agreements in summer 2026: why UK employers are increasing offers amid cost-of-living pressures
Key Takeaways UK employers increasing settlement agreement offers as summer redundancy waves begin amid 2026 cost-of-living pressures is giving many employees stronger financial terms than ever before. You have the right to independent legal advice before signing a settlement agreement, which protects you from accidentally waiving valuable claims without understanding your options. The 2026 cost-of-living […]
