Settlement agreement solicitors, Guildford
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Contact our teamOur settlement agreement lawyers in Guildford are here to help if you are offered a settlement agreement by your employer in the Surrey area.
We’re particularly experienced working with and representing employees in high-seniority roles, helping you to secure the best possible outcome from your settlement agreement when based in Guildford.
- The purpose of a settlement agreement is to end the employment contract of an employee on a specific set of terms. It usually involves offering the employee a sum of money in return for them agreeing to waive certain employment rights.
- As settlement agreements usually require the employee to waive some of their legal rights, they must take independent legal advice before signing the document to ensure they understand the full implications of this.
- Our settlement agreements Guildford team can offer expert advice to help you make an informed decision and secure the best possible outcome from the offer made by your employer.
What is a settlement agreement?
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and employee that terminates the employment under a set of mutually agreed terms. Employees must recieve independent legal advice before signing a settlement agreement.
Why might an employee be offered a settlement agreement in Guildford?
Settlement agreements (previously known as compromise agreements) are often used by Surrey employers who wish to end a specific employment contract with an employee but want to do so on a set of terms that protect the business in the future. It might be the case that there is an ongoing dispute between the employer and employee, and a settlement agreement is one way to resolve this and part ways on a basis that both parties are happy with.
If you have been offered a settlement agreement by your employer in the Guildford or Surrey area, it’s important that you get specialist advice before you sign anything.
A settlement agreement for Guildford employees usually offers a sum of money in return for ending the current employment contract on a set date, and you also agree to waive any rights to bring a claim against your employer in the future.
Do I need settlement agreement solicitors in Surrey?
It’s a legal requirement that you get professional legal advice before signing a settlement agreement in Guildford, Surrey or anywhere else in the country.
You don’t have to sign the settlement agreement if you are not happy with the terms included or the sum of money that is being offered, but you must take legal advice before making your decision as there can be significant consequences if you’re not fully aware of the implications for any rights you might be signing away. Our settlement agreement lawyers in Guildford can ensure that you receive advice that is tailored to your specific circumstances.
If you don’t think that the settlement agreement offered is fair, our Surrey-based employment law solicitors can attempt to negotiate with your employer on your behalf, to help secure the best possible deal for you.
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What if the settlement agreement is breached?
A settlement agreement is a legally binding document, so both parties must keep to the agreed terms, or face potential consequences that can be serious.
If the employer breaks their side of the agreement, for example, by not paying you the full sum specified, then you might be able to make a claim against them. In the same way, if you breach any of the terms, they can potentially claim against you, and you might have to repay all of the money that you received as part of the agreement. Understanding exactly what you can and cannot do in order not to breach the agreement is essential, and our settlement agreement solicitors in Guildford will make sure that you understand all of this before you sign.
This is where our settlement agreement lawyers in Guildford come in, to make sure that you understand all of this before you sign.
Getting the best possible deal from your settlement agreement in Guildford
It can sometimes be difficult to know if the settlement agreement being offered to you is a good deal or not, especially if you have never been involved with one before. As one of the most experienced settlement agreement law firms in the Guildford area, we can offer advice that is tailored to your specific circumstances and take into account all of the factors and events during this period of employment that have led up to the settlement agreement being offered.
The sum of money offered in the agreement will need to be weighed up against the rights that you will be waiving if you are to sign it and also against any potential legal action that you could potentially take if you were to choose to reject the settlement agreement and make an employment tribunal claim instead. Our employment law team in Guildford have the expertise needed to support you in making the right choice for your life and future.
Understanding your legal rights during termination
When facing a termination of employment, it’s essential to understand your legal rights before agreeing to a settlement. These include your eligibility for redundancy pay, notice periods, outstanding wages or holiday pay, and any potential claims for unfair dismissal or discrimination. At Moore Barlow, we ensure that any agreement reflects your full entitlement under UK employment law and considers any potential claims you may be waiving.
The benefits of early legal advice
Seeking legal advice early in the process can significantly influence the outcome of your settlement discussions. Early intervention allows for timely negotiations, reduced stress, and a better understanding of your position. Our team in Guildford is responsive and approachable, offering same-day appointments where possible to help you move forward quickly and confidently.
Time limits and urgency in settlement agreements
Settlement agreements often come with strict deadlines, and missing these deadlines can result in the loss of financial compensation or the ability to pursue further claims. We ensure you understand any time limits imposed and help you respond promptly to avoid unnecessary risk. Our streamlined process is designed to work efficiently within your employer’s timescales, without compromising the quality of advice and negotiation.
How we can help
Our experienced solicitors in Guildford are dedicated to helping individuals navigate through complex employment issues, particularly those related to termination of employment. We understand that settlement agreements can be overwhelming and confusing, which is why we offer expertise and guidance to ensure that our clients’ rights are protected and their best interests are represented. Our team is well-versed in negotiating fair settlement terms, advising on legal implications, and providing support throughout the entire process. If you are an employee seeking advice on a settlement agreement, our solicitors are here to offer comprehensive and tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.
We provide tailored legal support across all aspects of settlement agreements, including reviewing severance terms, negotiating compensation packages, and ensuring the protection of your statutory rights. Our services cover redundancy settlement agreements, executive exits, performance-related terminations, and mutual agreements to leave. We also offer advice regarding restrictive covenants, confidentiality clauses, and employer references to ensure your future employment opportunities remain protected.
Who we help
Our experienced solicitors in Guildford assist individuals facing termination of employment or seeking settlement agreements. We provide expert advice and guidance to employees, executives, and professionals, ensuring their rights and interests are protected throughout the process.
We assist a broad range of clients from various industries, including professionals working in financial services, healthcare, education, technology, and the public sector. Whether you are a senior executive facing redundancy or an entry-level employee seeking clarity on your exit agreement, our team provides legal support tailored to your professional circumstances and industry norms.
Contact us
Contact our experienced employment law team in Guildford to discuss your settlement agreement needs. We provide comprehensive legal advice and guidance, ensuring your best interests are protected during the termination of employment process. Schedule a consultation today to explore your options and seek a fair settlement.
We have offices in London, Richmond, Southampton, Guildford, Lymington and Woking and offer specialist employment legal services to clients nationwide. Contact Moore Barlow to find out how we can help.
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Frequently asked questions – Settlement Agreements
What is typically included in a settlement agreement?
A settlement agreement usually includes the terms of termination, financial compensation, waiver of claims, confidentiality clauses, return of company property, and references. It may also contain post-employment restrictions depending on your role and sector.
Do I need a solicitor to sign a settlement agreement?
Yes, it is a legal requirement for an employee to receive independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor before signing a settlement agreement for it to be legally binding. Your employer typically contributes to the cost of this advice.
How long do I have to consider a settlement agreement?
Employees are generally given a minimum of 10 calendar days to consider a settlement agreement offer. This period can vary but must be sufficient for you to obtain legal advice and make an informed decision.
Can a settlement agreement be negotiated?
Yes, the terms of a settlement agreement are negotiable. You can seek better financial terms, request changes to wording around references or confidentiality clauses, and ensure all outstanding benefits are accounted for. We can help you negotiate fair and favourable terms.
What happens if I don’t accept a settlement agreement?
You are not obligated to accept a settlement agreement. If you decline, your employer may proceed with the termination under standard procedures, such as redundancy or dismissal, where your statutory rights will still apply.
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