Specialist Andover Employment Solicitors 
Being handed a settlement agreement by your employer can come as a shock. For some people, it follows a redundancy consultation or workplace restructuring. For others, it may arise after disciplinary concerns, grievances, sickness absence or a breakdown in workplace relationships. Whatever the background, it is important to obtain legal advice before signing anything. At Bonallack & Bishop, our Andover settlement agreement solicitors advise employees on employment settlement agreements, severance packages and negotiated exits from employment.
We provide practical, commercially focused advice for clients in Andover, across Hampshire and throughout England and Wales.
Looking for specialist Settlement Agreement Solicitors? Call our experienced employment lawyers on Andover 01264 364433 for FREE initial phone advice – with no strings attached
What Is an Employment Settlement Agreement?
An employment settlement agreement is a legal document used to bring the employment relationship to an end on agreed terms.
In most cases, the employee receives compensation or other benefits in return for agreeing not to pursue legal claims against the employer.
Settlement agreements are often used to create certainty for both sides and avoid the time, stress and expense of formal disputes or Employment Tribunal proceedings.
They may arise in situations involving:
- Redundancy
- Workplace disputes
- Performance concerns
- Senior management exits
- Reorganisation or restructuring
- Long-term sickness absence
- Protected conversations between employer and employee
Your Settlement Agreement – Why Legal Advice Matters
Once signed, a settlement agreement will normally prevent you from bringing most employment-related claims in the future.
Many employees are understandably focused on the compensation figure being offered. However, the wording of the agreement itself can be equally important.
Our solicitors will explain:
- What claims are being waived
- Whether the financial package appears reasonable
- Which payments are taxable
- Whether restrictions after employment are reasonable
- Whether the reference wording is acceptable
- Whether there are clauses that could cause future difficulties
We aim to provide clear advice quickly so that clients can make informed decisions without unnecessary stress.
The Need for Independent Legal Advice
One of the legal requirements for a valid settlement agreement is that the employee must receive independent legal advice before signing it.
In most cases, this advice is provided by a specialist employment solicitor, although the law also allows certain other qualified advisers, such as certified trade union officials, to advise in appropriate circumstances.
The adviser will explain the terms and effect of the agreement, what rights you are giving up, and whether the agreement is in your interests.
Without this independent advice, a settlement agreement will usually not be legally binding.
In the vast majority of cases, your employer will make a contribution towards the cost of this legal advice, meaning there is often little or no cost to you.
Employer Contributions Towards Legal Fees
In many settlement agreement cases, the employer contributes towards the employee’s legal fees.
Sometimes the contribution is sufficient to cover the full cost of straightforward advice and signing. In other cases, particularly where negotiation is required, there may be additional fees depending on the complexity of the matter.
We will discuss likely costs clearly at the outset.
Negotiating Your Settlement Agreement
Not every settlement agreement should simply be accepted as first presented. Depending on the circumstances, there may be scope to negotiate:
- Increased compensation
- Better termination terms
- Payment of bonuses or commission
- Extended notice arrangements
- More favourable references
- Removal or amendment of restrictive covenants
- Confidentiality wording
- Exit announcements
Many employees are concerned that negotiation may damage the relationship with the employer. In reality, negotiated amendments, usually handled by solicitors, are common in settlement agreement cases – and our team regularly deal with these kind of issues for our clients.
Settlement Agreements and Redundancy
Settlement agreements are frequently used alongside redundancy exercises.
In some situations, employers offer enhanced redundancy packages in exchange for employees signing a settlement agreement. It is important to understand whether the package being offered goes beyond your normal contractual and statutory entitlements.
We can advise on matters including:
- Statutory redundancy pay
- Notice entitlements
- Accrued holiday pay
- Enhanced redundancy offers
- Potential unfair dismissal issues
- Alternative employment proposals
Senior Employees, Professionals and Directors
Settlement agreements involving senior employees and directors are often more detailed and commercially sensitive.
Additional issues can arise involving:
- Shareholdings
- Equity arrangements
- Deferred remuneration
- Regulatory obligations
- Client relationships
- Team departures
- Restrictive covenants
- Reputation management
Our employment solicitors regularly advise professionals, managers, directors and business executives on more complex employment exit arrangements.
Restrictive Covenants and Future Employment
Many settlement agreements contain post-termination restrictions limiting what an employee can do after leaving.
This may include restrictions relating to:
- Contacting clients
- Approaching colleagues
- Working for competitors
- Confidential business information
These clauses can have a significant impact on future career plans, particularly for senior employees or individuals working within specialist industries.
We can advise on whether restrictions appear reasonable and whether changes may be negotiated.
Fast Turnaround for Urgent Agreements
A settlement agreement often comes with a relatively short deadline. Many clients contact us because they need advice urgently before signing or responding to the employer.
Our employment solicitors aim to provide:
- Prompt appointments
- Fast document review
- Practical commercial advice
- Remote meetings where convenient
- Efficient communication with employers’ solicitors
In many cases, matters can be dealt with quickly and efficiently without unnecessary delay.
Local Employment Solicitors in Andover
Bonallack & Bishop offers employment law advice for clients across Andover the surrounding Hampshire villages. And to make matters easier, where happy to offer phone appointments and video meetings – to avoid the necessity of you arranging a trip to our Andover office.
Practical Advice at a Difficult Time
Leaving employment can be stressful, particularly where the circumstances are unexpected or emotionally difficult.
Our solicitors aim to combine practical legal advice with a calm and supportive approach. We understand that many clients are not only concerned about the legal terms of the agreement, but also about their future career, finances and reputation.
Speak to Our Andover Settlement Agreement Solicitors
If you have been offered a settlement agreement or severance package, our experienced employment law team is here to help.
Contact us today on Andover 01264 364433 to arrange your appointment.
