Solicitors Specialising in Settlement Agreements For Employment Law Issues
What is a Compromise Agreement?
A UK Compromise Agreement [or Settlement Agreement as it has been more correctly known since July 2013] is the most effective way to resolve any employment dispute without the need for court proceedings. Compromise agreements (also sometimes referred to as a Severance Agreement) our legally binding agreements under which the employer pays the employee a sum of money and the employee effectively signs away rights to any claims they may have against the employer. In order for a compromise agreement to be valid it is necessary for the employee to seek independent legal advice.Our specialist Compromise Agreement Lawyers offer the independent legal advice that is necessary under the terms of any compromise agreement. One of our lawyers will also put their name to your agreement, proving that both you and your employer have received separate and independent legal advice in coming to terms.
Need expert Compromise Agreement advice? Call our specialist employment lawyers on FREEPHONE 0800 1404544 for FREE initial phone advice now.
Looking for advice on a settlement agreement and divorce – click here to find read more about divorce and financial issues
Why choose us as your Compromise Agreement Lawyers?
- We are experts — with many years of advising both employees and employers on Compromise Agreement specialists. You can rely on us to provide the expert and genuinely independent legal advice you need
- We offer FREE initial phone advice – with no strings attached
- We are usually able to provide FREE legal representation for employees — usually, employers will pay the legal costs for their employees for advice on compromise agreements
- National coverage – our employment lawyers can advise you wherever you live in England and Wales.
- Our lawyers negotiate — advising on compromise agreements should not simply be a rubber stamping task. Although the terms of many agreements are quite reasonable, our lawyers will assess whether the amount offered within the agreement is enough in the circumstances. Often, there are often opportunities, especially for better paid and more senior employees, for us to negotiate a better termination package for you
- Our lawyers don’t need to meet you — we can advise you by e-mail, phone and video call — compromise agreements are easily sent by e-mail.
How Our Compromise Agreement Lawyers can help you
- By providing the independent legal advice required for compromise agreements to be enforceable.
- By explaining the meaning of clauses in the agreement.
- By advising you if the terms are fair.
- By advising you on the employment law options open to you if you are unhappy with your agreement.
- By entering negotiations, if required, with your employer for improved terms.
- Advising you on the most tax efficient method of receiving any payment under your compromise agreement
How compromise agreements work for both employers and employees
A compromise agreement will safeguard employers from a future employment tribunal claim by an employee being made redundant or dismissed. The agreement avoids the risk of a claim being brought for compensation by the employee and incurring the legal fees and the time lost to contest it. Employers are also often keen on using employment compromise agreements because they want the matter settled once and for all rather than having it dragged out and having the potential threat of tribunal action hanging over their heads
For an employee, even if you have a claim it may make sense to sign the agreement as an employer will offer a financial incentive to sign the agreement. Also, you have the certainty of receiving some money rather than a gamble of pursuing and possibly losing a dismissal claim.
Do I need independent legal advice?
Yes – you do, and it’s a legal requirement. If you don’t get this kind of advice with a signature from an authorised person, usually an experienced employment law solicitor, then your agreement won’t be binding and you can’t enforce it..
If my employer fails to pay the agreed compensation, can I enforce the agreement like a Tribunal judgement?
A Compromise Agreement is a legally binding contract. If your employer fails to pay the compensation money in the time agreed under the agreement, you can sue them for breach of contract to enforce payment. Conversely, if you do not stick to any agreed warranties under the agreement then you also can be sued for a breach of contract.
Need expert settlement agreement advice? Call our specialist Compromise Agreement Lawyers on FREEPHONE 0800 1404544 for FREE initial phone advice now
