Earlier
referred to as Compromise agreements, settlement agreements are offered and
used for many different reasons. Settlement agreement London is used to resolving grievances, disciplinary issues, or
accusations on a party of unfair treatment or for a long absence from work due
to illness.
Since
a settlement agreement is legally binding, and there are many legal jargon and
technicalities, it is advised to hire a litigation solicitor London, if you live in London. There are many sections to
consider while preparing a settlement agreement:
- Your legal rights – if at all you may make an “unfair dismissal claim” in the future
- Your work contract – there are some rights you have as an employee and entitled to benefits such as health cover, bonus, commission, and an advance notice period.
- If there is a possibility of a claim at the employment tribunal.
- Your possibility to get another employment opportunity after your dismissal, how much time would you need to get another job, and the situation of the field of occupation and job market for an employee in your position.
- The financial package you are getting after the agreement. Do you get tax free ex-gratia amount, are there conditions you are bound to, and chances of getting a better deal?
There
are many employees who do not care much and just sign any contract presented to
them. They feel that the employer is in authority so they can do what they
want. But it is better to get professional help to
negotiate a better deal especially when you can.
You
are not bound to sign the agreement unless you are satisfied with the terms.
You can always refuse.
Settlement
agreements come in a standard pattern. The agreements are created by
authorities and incorporate various clauses being employed. If you decide to
agree, you will be subject to those clauses and have rights to make any future
claim.
There
is always the question of how much money that can be offered to the client.
This depends on a number of factors like your salary amount for 2-3 months, and
other entitlements and terms in your employment contract.
The
reason for this is that companies often compare the costs of defending an
employee’s claims at the tribunal and paying the employee benefits by
settlement. They always choose the one that costs them less because even if
they have a winning case, it costs a lot to defend their claim at the tribunal.