What is a 0 hour contract? Rights, pay, redundancy and settlement options explained
Key Takeaways A 0 hour contract means no guaranteed hours of work, with your legal rights depending on whether you are treated as a worker or employee. Zero-hour workers are entitled to the national minimum wage, paid annual leave, rest breaks and protection from discrimination, just like other staff. You can refuse a shift on […]
Settlement agreement lawyer: comprehensive guide for UK employees
Key Takeaways A settlement agreement lawyer helps you understand your rights, review your offer, and negotiate a better deal before you sign. Independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor is a strict legal requirement for a valid settlement agreement under s.203 Employment Rights Act 1996. Our solicitors often increase your ex gratia payment, secure an […]
What are Vento bands and how do they affect my discrimination settlement?
Key Takeaways Vento bands set compensation guidelines for injury to feelings in discrimination cases, directly shaping how much you can claim in a discrimination settlement agreement. The bands are split into lower, middle and upper brackets based on the severity of discrimination, with the 2026/27 Vento rates ranging from £1,200 to £61,700. Tribunals use Vento […]
Self certification sickness: your rights, the 7-day rule, and legal steps if challenged
Key Takeaways Self certification sickness lets you notify your employer of absence for up to 7 calendar days without a doctor’s note or fit note. UK employment law gives you a right to self-certify sickness for 7 days; employers cannot insist on medical evidence during this initial period. Completing your employer’s self-certification form or an […]
Can I still go to employment tribunal after signing a settlement agreement?
Key Takeaways If you sign a valid settlement agreement, you usually cannot go to employment tribunal for any claims covered by the agreement. Settlement agreements are only legally binding if you receive independent legal advice from a qualified SRA-regulated solicitor under the Employment Rights Act 1996. Settlement agreements typically waive your right to bring future […]
What should be included in a reference clause in my settlement agreement?
Key Takeaways A reference clause in a settlement agreement must state if a reference will be provided, exactly what it will say, and whether it applies to both written and verbal requests. You have the right to negotiate the content, format, and scope of the reference clause, ensuring it’s factual, accurate, and contains no negative […]
How is notice pay calculated in a redundancy settlement?
Key Takeaways Notice pay in a redundancy settlement is calculated using your contractual or statutory notice period, whichever is longer, based on your normal weekly pay. Your settlement agreement should clearly show how notice pay has been worked out, including details of any payment in lieu of notice (PILON) and whether you work or are […]
Can my employer force me to sign a non-compete clause in a settlement agreement?
Key Takeaways Your employer cannot force you to sign a non-compete clause in a settlement agreement, but refusing may impact whether you are offered a settlement payment. Non-compete clauses are restrictive covenants; their enforceability in UK settlement agreements depends on whether terms are reasonable and protect a genuine business interest. You always have the right […]
What compensation can I expect for a disability discrimination settlement in the UK?
Key Takeaways Compensation for disability discrimination settlement UK typically covers loss of earnings, injury to feelings, and may include sums for personal injury, aggravated damages, or pension loss. There is no upper limit on disability discrimination compensation; settlements often range from £10,000 to £50,000 or more for complex cases. Most settlements include a tax-free ex […]
Can I negotiate my settlement agreement if I’ve been accused of poor performance?
Key Takeaways You can negotiate your settlement agreement, even if accused of poor performance—you do not have to accept your employer’s first offer. Our solicitors regularly improve terms for employees in performance disputes, including higher settlements, better references, and stronger confidentiality clauses. Settlement agreements are only legally binding in the UK once you receive independent […]
