Settlement Agreements

A Settlement Agreement is your legal exit from employment. It usually includes compensation in return for giving up your right to bring claims. UK law requires independent legal advice from a qualified employment solicitor to ensure you understand the terms and statutory requirements. That’s where we come in. We make sure you know exactly what you’re signing and what you could achieve with negotiation.

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For individuals

Settlement Agreements

Reviewing your agreement

We explain the full picture in plain English, highlight any red flags, and check that the terms protect you.

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Assess potential Tribunal claims and fairness

Our team assesses potential Tribunal claims to benchmark the offer and advise on realistic settlement ranges.

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Negotiating a better deal

We fight for fairer severance, bonuses, shares, pension contributions, garden leave and full notice pay.

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Challenging unfair restrictions

If the agreement includes restrictive covenants or strict confidentiality, we’ll make sure they’re reasonable and proportionate.

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Securing the right reference

We help agree a neutral or positive reference and clear wording for internal or external announcements.

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Ensure statutory compliance and enforceability

For a settlement agreement to be enforceable, it must meet strict legal requirements. We check every detail to make sure the terms are enforceable.

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Questions we’re often asked

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What is a Settlement Agreement?

It’s a legally binding contract that settles potential claims in return for agreed compensation and terms.

Do I need a solicitor to sign one?

Yes. You must take independent legal advice for the agreement to be legally valid under UK law.

Who pays for the solicitor?

Usually your employer will pay a set amount towards your legal costs for advice on the agreement.

Is the payment tax-free?

The first £30,000 of compensation can be tax-free. Pay in lieu of notice, salary, and bonuses are taxable.

How long do I get to decide?

You’re normally given 7 to 14 days, but we can request more time if needed.

Can I reject or negotiate the terms?

Absolutely. You don’t have to sign. You can negotiate or explore other legal options, including a Tribunal claim.

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Georgia was incredibly helpful throughout the process of reaching a settlement with a previous employer. Georgia took the time to understand my personal situation and provided clear, considerate, and professional guidance at every stage. Her support made a complex process much easier to navigate, and I felt reassured knowing I was in capable hands.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Chris is a great listener, clear communicator and, in my opinion, a genuinely good, kind human being. I have no hesitation in recommending Blacks in Leeds for any legal matters you may have; you'll be in good hands.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

I have dealt with Chris Allen recently concerning some rather upsetting and extremely delicate matters. Chris and the team have proved to be reassuring, down to earth and absolute consummate professionals.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Blacks helped us think beyond the sessions by supporting us to consider how the legislative changes translate into day to day behaviours and what this means for our culture in anticipation for our policy to be launched. This has supported follow on training delivery internally surrounding misogyny, misogynoir and trans-misogyny.

Employment Training Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

We had an excellent experience working with Blacks. From the moment we reached out to request training, they responded quickly and took the time to meet with us early on to understand our needs and the wider organisational context. They were patient and flexible as we worked through our planning.

Employment Training Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Ellie was absolutely amazing through the whole process. She made me feel at ease and was very efficient at replying to my emails and queries. I would also like to say a thank you to Jemma who was the first one I engaged with and made me feel comfortable and less anxious.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

I worked with Tom during a very stressful and time-sensitive settlement, and I’m genuinely so grateful for his support. From the start, he was calm, practical and incredibly thorough, which made a huge difference at a point when everything felt overwhelming.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

The service was 11 out of 10! Ellie kept me on the straight and narrow. She navigated the legal side and the emotional side incredibly well. She advised me brilliantly and I couldn’t be happier with that

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Euan Lawrence helped me with a HR issue with a former employee, and I was extremely impressed by his professionalism and the clarity of his advice in translating complex legal ease for the less legally minded individuals such as myself – I would fully recommend.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Outstanding service from start to finish. The team’s work rate, speed of response, and legal knowledge were second to none. They consistently went above and beyond to get things done efficiently and with care. Special thanks to Richard P and Pete K for their exceptional support – true professionals!

Blacks Client

Experts in every area

Managing Partner

Ellie Broadhurst

Associate Solicitor

Jemma Fieldsend

Georgia Jeonney

Partner and Head of Employment

Graduate Solicitor Apprentice

Partner and Head of Employment

Marcus Pickersgill

Anna Schiavetta

Senior Associate Solicitor

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