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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
