How to calculate a settlement offer: step-by-step guide for employees
Key Takeaways Calculating a settlement offer involves adding statutory and contractual entitlements such as notice pay, accrued holiday pay and redundancy pay, plus any ex gratia compensation for loss of employment. The first £30,000 of an ex gratia payment under a settlement agreement is usually tax-free, but salary, notice pay and benefits must be taxed […]
Settlement agreement solicitor fees: who pays and how to avoid unexpected costs
Key Takeaways In almost all cases, settlement agreement solicitor fees are paid by your employer, so our independent legal advice is free to you. Under s.203 Employment Rights Act, you must receive independent legal advice for a settlement agreement to be legally binding. The employer’s legal fee contribution usually covers advice on the terms and […]
Growth and Skills Levy 2026: How redundancy, redeployment, and settlement agreements change for tech, construction, and engineering workers
Key Takeaways The 2026 Growth and Skills Levy affects redundancy and settlement offers by making employers consider retraining and redeployment options before finalising financial packages for tech, construction, and engineering workers. If you face redundancy under the new levy rules, you may be offered levy-funded retraining instead of or alongside a traditional ex gratia settlement […]
Settlement agreement offers in 2026: why redundancy waves and cost pressures are driving higher payouts
Key Takeaways Employers increasing settlement agreement offers as redundancy waves continue through summer 2026 amid ongoing cost pressures, giving affected staff more bargaining power to secure enhanced redundancy packages. Most redundancy settlement agreements include a tax-free element on termination payments up to £30,000, but expert advice is key to maximising your tax position within legal […]
Settlement agreements for ‘voluntary’ redundancy under the Warm Homes Plan: what employees should negotiate
Key Takeaways If you are offered voluntary redundancy under the Warm Homes Plan, you should carefully negotiate the terms of your settlement agreement to protect your rights and maximise your payout. A settlement agreement will usually require you to waive claims such as unfair dismissal and discrimination, which is only legally valid if you receive […]
TUPE settlement agreements in 2026: protecting rights when businesses transfer under new public sector energy procurement frameworks
Key Takeaways TUPE settlement agreements in 2026: protecting rights when businesses transfer under new public sector energy procurement frameworks are only legally valid if you receive independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor. Your contractual terms, length of service and most employment rights automatically transfer to any new employer when a public sector energy contract […]
How quickly can I get a settlement agreement reviewed by a solicitor?
Key Takeaways You can usually have your settlement agreement reviewed by a solicitor on the same day, with urgent and 24-hour appointments available nationwide. Our solicitors provide independent legal advice and fast review of settlement agreements online, covering review, advice, and electronic signing—often within a single video call. The employer almost always pays for all […]
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, […]
Can I negotiate restrictive covenants in my settlement agreement?
Key Takeaways Yes, you can negotiate restrictive covenants in your settlement agreement before signing to limit their impact on future employment and business opportunities. Restrictive covenants such as non-compete or non-solicitation clauses are not set in stone and can often be narrowed, removed or clarified through negotiation. Our solicitors can advise on the enforceability of […]
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 […]
