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 […]
Redundancy vs negotiated exit in 2026: how to choose between enhanced redundancy pay and a higher settlement sum
Key Takeaways Understanding redundancy vs. negotiated exit in 2026 helps you select the right approach—enhanced redundancy pay or a higher settlement sum—based on your position and leverage. Enhanced redundancy pay may be negotiated, particularly where employers have not followed correct redundancy consultation or selection processes. Settlement agreements include ex gratia payments and typically require you […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
