Settlement Agreement Solicitors in Cheltenham
Independent legal advice on settlement agreements, including review, negotiation, and fixed fees from £350 + VAT.
Specialist Legal Advice on Settlement Agreements
If you have been offered a settlement agreement by your employer, it is important to understand exactly what is being proposed before you sign. A settlement agreement brings your employment to an end on agreed terms and usually requires you to give up certain legal rights in return for compensation.
At Pembridge Solicitors, we advise employees in Cheltenham and across England and Wales on settlement agreements at all stages. Our role is to explain the agreement clearly, assess whether the terms are fair in light of your circumstances, and advise you on your options before any decision is made. Where appropriate, we also negotiate improved terms on your behalf.
Settlement agreements are commonly used to resolve workplace disputes, manage exits without formal procedures, or avoid redundancy or disciplinary processes. We advise employees at all levels, including professionals, managers, and senior staff, as well as individuals who simply want clear, practical guidance.
What Is a Settlement Agreement?
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and employee that formally ends the employment relationship on agreed terms. In most cases, the employer offers a financial payment and other benefits, and the employee agrees not to bring certain employment-related claims.
By law, a settlement agreement is only valid if the employee receives independent legal advice before signing. This requirement exists to ensure you fully understand the effect of the agreement and the rights you are agreeing to waive.
Why Legal Advice Is Required
Settlement agreements usually involve giving up rights such as claims for unfair dismissal, discrimination, breach of contract, or redundancy pay. Legal advice is therefore mandatory and cannot be avoided.
We review the agreement in full, explain each clause in plain language, confirm which rights are affected, and advise whether the compensation offered is reasonable when compared to your potential claims. We also highlight any restrictions, risks, or long-term consequences so you can make an informed decision.
Reviewing and Negotiating Settlement Agreements
Settlement agreements are often open to negotiation. Once your position has been assessed, it may be possible to improve the terms offered.
We regularly advise on and negotiate issues such as:
the level and structure of compensation
payment of notice, bonuses, or accrued holiday
confidentiality and non-disclosure clauses
agreed references and announcements
post-employment restrictions
Any negotiation is handled proportionately, with a focus on achieving a sensible outcome without unnecessary delay or escalation.
What Makes a Fair Settlement Agreement
A fair settlement agreement is not determined by the headline payment alone. It should reflect your role, length of service, contractual rights, and the value of any potential claims.
Key areas that should always be reviewed include:
total compensation and how it will be paid
contractual entitlements and notice
tax treatment of payments
restrictions on future work
confidentiality and reputation protection
Each agreement is assessed on its own facts, and fairness will depend on your individual circumstances.
What Claims Can Be Settled
Settlement agreements can lawfully settle many types of employment claims, including:
unfair dismissal and constructive dismissal
discrimination and harassment
whistleblowing
breach of contract
unlawful deduction of wages
Only specific claims can be settled, and they must be clearly identified in the agreement. We ensure the agreement complies with legal requirements and accurately reflects your position.
What Cannot Be Settled
Certain matters cannot be settled through a settlement agreement, including future claims that have not yet arisen, such as unknown personal injury claims.
We advise you on the legal limits of what can and cannot be included so there is no uncertainty about the scope of the agreement.
Costs of Settlement Agreement Advice
In most cases, employers agree to contribute towards the cost of your legal advice, and this is usually set out within the settlement agreement itself.
We offer fixed-fee settlement agreement advice from £350 + VAT. In many cases, the employer’s contribution is sufficient to cover this cost. If additional work is required, this will always be discussed with you in advance.
Settlement Agreements and ACAS (COT3 Agreements)
Settlement agreements are not the only way employment disputes can be resolved. Some disputes are settled through ACAS using a COT3 agreement.
We can explain the differences between settlement agreements and ACAS agreements and advise which option is more appropriate based on your situation.
Breach of a Settlement Agreement
Once signed, a settlement agreement is legally binding on both parties. If an employer fails to comply with its terms, you may have grounds to take enforcement action.
We can advise on your options and the steps available to protect your position.
Settlement Agreement Solicitors in Cheltenham and Nationwide
Our employment solicitors are based in Cheltenham and advise clients across Gloucestershire and throughout England and Wales. Appointments can be arranged in person, by telephone, or by video call.
If you have been offered a settlement agreement or are considering one, we are here to help. To speak to a solicitor, call 0330 900 0377 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation.
How to Find Us
Calderwood House
Montpellier Parade
Cheltenham
GL50 1UA
If you need directions or have any questions before visiting, feel free to call us.
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