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Settlement agreements offer a fast, cost-effective way to resolve a wide range of employment disputes, as well as allowing employers and employees to avoid potential future disputes, for example during redundancy proceedings or other types of terminations.
Settlement agreements give both parties the opportunity to avoid an Employment Tribunal, allowing the employer to keep the dispute private and giving the employee certainty over the outcome, as well as saving both sides time, stress and the legal costs associated with a tribunal. However, it is essential that both employer and employee have reliable, specialist legal advice to ensure that any agreement they reach best serves the interests of both sides.
At Franklins, we have built a reputation for helping our clients find the best solutions to their employment disputes under even the most challenging circumstances. Our settlement agreement solicitors in central Milton Keynes have the experience and expertise you need to negotiate a solution that works for you.
Our expertise in non-confrontational dispute resolution, including mediation and negotiation, means we can help defuse conflict and help both sides see clearly the benefits of agreeing a settlement voluntarily. This allows you to resolve the issues and move on as quickly as possible, as well as helping to preserve a positive employer-employee relationship where this is a priority.
So whether you are an employer or employee, our team of highly skilled employment dispute resolution solicitors in Milton Keynes can assist you with creating and reviewing settlement agreements for a wide range of issues, providing the expert advice and guidance you need to achieve a positive outcome.
If you need a settlement agreement solicitor in Milton Keynes to resolve an employment dispute, we can help. Please get in touch by calling 01908 660966 or using our contact form for a prompt response.
Settlement agreements are contracts between an employer and employee (or former employee) where the employee agrees not to pursue legal action over a specific matter, normally in return for a one-off payment. The agreement can also include other provisions, such as for the return of the employer’s property that the employee is in possession of and a contribution towards the employee’s legal fees.
Settlement agreements (which replace the formerly used ‘compromise agreements’) are an increasingly popular way to resolve employment disputes and are frequently used when an employer needs to terminate a person’s employment. They can also be used for wide range of other employment disputes, including those involving discrimination and workplace harassment.
Exactly what is included in a settlement agreement will depend on the circumstances and needs of the employer and employee. Typical provisions an agreement may include are:
A settlement agreement will only be considered legally binding on both parties if:
Settlement agreements replaced compromise agreements in July 2013 and offer broadly the same benefits. However, settlement agreements are intended to promote pre-termination negotiations between employers and employees, allowing a settlement to be reached before an employee leaves a business, saving time, money and uncertainty for both parties.
There is normally no income tax or National Insurance due on payments up to a value of £30,000 made as part of a settlement agreement. This does depends on the circumstances, however, so it is important to discuss this with your solicitor when considering a settlement offer.
Settlement agreements are commonly used during redundancy proceedings to protect the employer from the potential for dispute over how the redundancy process was carried out.
A settlement agreement can be used to resolve most types of employment disputes, including those related to:
However, there are certain types of statutory claims that cannot be settled by entering into a settlement agreement. This may include:
No, a settlement agreement must be entered into voluntarily by both parties and the employee must have independent legal advice and reasonable time to consider the agreement. You should therefore not be pressured into signing the agreement by your employer or former employer.
However, it will often be in your best interest to sign a settlement agreement (after taking appropriate legal advice and time to consider) as this can save you the time, stress and costs associated with taking the matter to an employment tribunal and it will provide certainty over the outcome, rather than leaving the matter in the hands of a tribunal.
Franklins Solicitors has been helping both employers and employees to resolve employment disputes for over 35 years, giving us extensive experience of all the common and not so common issues that can arise.
This experience means our employment lawyers in Milton Keynes can offer a tried and tested approach to allow you to resolve your employment dispute as quickly and cost-effectively as possible, whether with a settlement agreement or through an Employment Tribunal where appropriate.
With more than 100 staff spread across our two offices in Milton Keynes and Northampton, we have a wide range of skills and expertise to call on, no matter what the situation requires. By embracing the latest technology, we are able to offer a highly accessible, convenient modern legal service tailored to your needs, meaning we provide excellence as standard, not as an exception.
We are Lexcel accredited by the Law Society in recognition of the strength of our practice management and client care. We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), providing assurance that we continually meet the highest legal and professional standards at all times.
For pragmatic, commercially-focused advice and representation to resolve your employment disputes, please get in touch with us today.
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Franklins Solicitors LLP
Ashton House,
409 Silbury Boulevard,
Milton Keynes,
MK9 2AH
United Kingdom
Telephone: 01908 660966
Fax: 01908 558000
info@franklins-sols.co.uk
A settlement agreement is a legally binding document between an employer and an employee. It typically outlines the terms of an agreement when employment is ending, such as compensation, confidentiality clauses, and other conditions. You may need one to ensure a clear and structured resolution if you’re leaving your job under agreed terms.
Franklins Solicitors provide expert legal advice to ensure your settlement agreement protects your rights while meeting legal requirements. We’ll review the agreement, explain the terms, and negotiate on your behalf if necessary.
Yes, legal advice is essential. For a settlement agreement to be legally valid, it must be reviewed and signed off by a qualified solicitor. This ensures you fully understand your rights and obligations.
Typically, legal fees for reviewing your settlement agreement will often be covered by your employer as part of the process. Our team will discuss costs transparently if additional services or negotiations are required.
Yes, in many cases, settlement agreements can be negotiated. If you feel the terms aren’t fair or comprehensive, we can assist in advocating for better terms, such as increased compensation or other benefits.
Settlement agreements often include confidentiality clauses for both parties. We’ll ensure you’re aware of any such terms and advise you on how they apply to your specific situation.
The time frame varies depending on the complexity of the agreement and any necessary negotiations. Typically, we aim to review and complete the process within a few days, ensuring efficiency without compromising quality.
At Franklins Solicitors, we combine extensive experience with a client-focused approach. We provide clear, practical advice to ensure the best possible outcome. With a strong local presence in Milton Keynes, we’re dedicated to supporting you through every step of the process.
If you have any questions about anything legal, please don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts in the Milton Keynes office who are on hand and ready to help you.
