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 […]
Settlement agreement references: what a good reference should include and when to push back
Key Takeaways A good reference in a UK settlement agreement must be true, accurate and fair, and should avoid language that is misleading or harmful to your future job prospects. You are entitled to request an agreed reference clause and negotiate for specific wording or the inclusion of achievements. If you see vague, negative or […]
Whistleblowing settlement agreements 2026: how protected disclosure claims impact compensation and the ILA certificate requirements
Key Takeaways Whistleblowing settlement agreements 2026: how protected disclosure claims impact compensation and the ILA certificate requirements is highly relevant, as whistleblowing can substantially increase your compensation and change settlement terms. A protected disclosure (whistleblowing) means you may be entitled to uncapped damages and special protection under the Employment Rights Act 1996 if dismissed or […]
Constructive dismissal settlement trends in 2026: when employees can negotiate higher compensation after workplace breakdowns
Key Takeaways Constructive dismissal settlement trends in 2026 mean employees returning from sick leave, parental leave or breaks can often negotiate higher compensation if their role or conditions have changed. Legal changes in 2026, including the removal of compensation caps and new six-month time limits, make it easier to claim and achieve uncapped constructive dismissal […]
Restrictive covenants in 2026 settlement agreements: how non-compete clauses affect UK employees leaving tech and finance roles
Key Takeaways Restrictive covenants in 2026 settlement agreements, especially non-compete clauses, can limit your ability to work for competitors after leaving a tech or finance role. Non-compete clauses must be reasonable in duration, area, and scope to be enforceable; Employment Rights Act 2025 may further restrict overbroad covenants. Settlement agreements with restrictive covenants can override […]
Employer contribution caps for settlement advice in 2026: what the typical £250–£500 + VAT limit means for employees
Key Takeaways Employer contribution caps for settlement advice in 2026 typically range from £250 to £500 plus VAT—these limits usually only cover basic legal advice, not negotiations or complex issues. Settlement agreements are only legally valid if you obtain independent legal advice from a solicitor, as required by section 203 of the Employment Rights Act […]
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 […]
Same-day settlement agreement advice: why 24-hour independent legal advice certification protects employees under urgent exit deadlines
Key Takeaways Same-day settlement agreement advice ensures you do not miss urgent exit deadlines or risk losing financial compensation offered by your employer. A settlement agreement is only legally binding if you receive independent legal advice from a qualified SRA regulated solicitor, as required by the Employment Rights Act 1996. Our solicitors can deliver 24-hour […]
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 […]
