I was delighted to help my client with his Settlement Agreement. I was also very grateful to receive a 5-star review. Please read on to find out more.
My Client’s Story
My client had worked hard for his employer for several years. He went above and beyond in his role and responsibilities and dedicated himself to the business. However, a change in the business and management, unfortunatley, caused my client problems. He was left unsupported and with no clear objectives or targets for his role. He, nevertheless, continued working hard for his employer.
To my client’s surprise, however, he was then offered the following options out of the blue during a meeting with his manager:
a) He could leave his employment via a Settlement Agreement (see below); or
b) His employer would proceed with a capability process, that could result in his dismissal.
My client was taken aback by the conversation. It was at this time my client contacted me. We firstly had a free initial telephone enquiry. During this telephone conversation, we discussed his employment matter and I reassured him we could help. My client then decided to book in for a Settlement Agreement appointment. The appointment being to review the Settlement Agreement terms, the offer proposed by his employer and to fully consider his options moving forward.
What Is a Settlement Agreement?
To explain, a Settlement Agreement is a contract which binds an employee and employer to its terms. Usually, in a Settlement Agreement the employer will offer a compensation payment to an employee in exchange for the termination of their employment, giving up their employment rights and agreeing not to bring any claims against their employer.
For a Settlement Agreement to be valid and enforceable, an employee must receive independent legal advice. Further information about Settlement Agreements can be found at https://lincslaw.co.uk/fees/settlement-agreements/
How Did I Assist My Client?
Here at Lincs Law Employment Solicitors, we offer a Fixed Fee service advising in respect of Settlement Agreements. Please see here for more information – https://lincslaw.co.uk/fees/settlement-agreements/
Before our appointment, I spent time reviewing the terms of my client’s Settlement Agreement in detail. During our appointment, we then spent time discussing the following together:
- The circumstances of his situation;
- Any potential Employment Tribunal claims he would be settling (if he chose to sign the Settlement Agreement). As part of this consideration we discussed, in detail, the threat of a capability process regarding my client’s performance and what action would be necessary by his employer.
- The overall “benefit” of his Settlement Agreement – i.e., what benefits my client would be receiving over and above what he would otherwise be entitled to if he just continued his employment and defended the capability process.
- Each of the individual terms of the Settlement Agreement, in detail.
- The various options available moving forward, including my suggestions for negotiation of certain provisions in the Settlement Agreement.
Our meeting, as above, was of unlimited duration. At Lincs Law Employment Solicitors we understand that decisions about Settlement Agreements can, potentially, be life changing and so time is needed to properly consider our client’s situation. Our meeting therefore provided my client with the opportunity to fully understand his options and make an informed decision as to how he wanted to proceed.
Following our meeting, I also confirmed my advice in writing to ensure my client had a full record of our discussions.
I was then delighted when my client decided to instruct me further to negotiate an enhanced exit package and contractual amendments to the Settlement Agreement to protect his position with his employer. I understood my client was, understandably, very upset about the actions of his employer. After working hard and dedicating himself to the business for several years, he was understandably devastated. As such, I worked as quickly as possible to negotiate a resolution with his employer.
After some negotiations, I was delighted to triple the compensatory payment offered by his employer. I was also able to negotiate increases to other benefits offered to my client. Importantly, I also achieved key contractual amendments to protect my client moving forward.
I was then on hand to assist my client in signing the Settlement Agreement and providing the relevant documentation to his employer.
5 Star Client Review
I was delighted to help my client with his Settlement Agreement. I was also exceptionally grateful to receive a 5-star review and the following comments from my client:
“Exemplary support and service from beginning to end……”
“ ….it was a no-brainer to get in touch and see how she could help. Without delving into too much detail (it has been a genuinely stressful experience) Kate’s approach resulted in a significant better settlement offer……Having Kate support me through the ordeal provided real comfort in a genuine time of need. Really recommend.”
Lincs Law Employment Solicitors Can Help You
If your employer has presented you with a Settlement Agreement, we would be delighted to help. Please contact us for a no obligation, free consultation. Simply use the contact form, engage in a web chat, email contactus@lincslaw.com or call us on 01522 440512 and we’ll be happy to help.
Kate Key
Specialist Employment Solicitor
Lincs Law Employment Solicitors
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