Settlement Agreements
Get settlement agreement advice to conclude employment relationships swiftly and amicably.
We’ll help you provide fair and appropriate exit packages with less stress, time and cost spent on negotiating settlement agreements.
Helping you understand and negotiate a settlement agreement
If you are an employee who has been offered a settlement agreement it is a legal requirement that you take independent legal advice. Our solicitors can guide you through this process, explaining the terms and consequences of the settlement agreement before you sign. Having negotiated complicated severance packages for executives of large city institutions we are well placed to ensure you receive a fair and amicable exit.
Our expert employment law solicitors can assist employers with the following:
- Advising you as to when a settlement agreement might be a useful tool in concluding an employment relationship.
- Instructing you as to the best method and timing for introducing a settlement agreement.
- When and how to use without prejudice discussions and protected conversations under section 111A Employment Rights Act 1996.
- Drafting a bespoke settlement agreement to suit your business and the individual situation being dealt with, whether that’s a one off or a larger scale redundancy and reorganisation.
- Informing you of the meaning of the terms of the settlement agreement so that you are fully aware of what your business is committing to.
- Dealing with settlement agreement negotiations with an employee or their legal adviser.
By taking the time to learn about your business, including its priorities, culture and structure we can offer bespoke solutions to your employment issues while ensuring you comply with the ACAS code of practice on settlement agreements.
What our clients say
We pride ourselves on delivering an excellent service for clients, but don’t just take our word for it.
As a young and growing fintech company, there have been a number of legal matters that we have needed to manage; such as client contracts, employment contracts and fund raising from investors. We’ve used Harper James for around a year and they have provided us with very valuable support through several lenses, not least in our funding round in late 2017, where we raised £1million and Harper James managed the legal side of the transaction. We recommend them without hesitation.
Over the years Harper James have helped us navigate complex legal issues and red tape, providing distilled options and legal consultancy that far exceeds the service levels we’ve previously experienced from more traditional law firms. The team act like our own in-house counsel so, regardless of which lawyer we work with, we feel supported and that they truly have our best interests at heart.
We rely on Harper James to provide us with support across a full range of service areas, from commercial contracts and employment issues to fundraisings and investments. The team at Harper James are always available to provide us with cost effective, pragmatic and commercially focused advice.
It's been a breath of fresh air to work with Harper James Solicitors. It's like having my own in-house counsel, but at a fraction of the cost. It's an invaluable service for any small business.
Choosing Harper James was one of the best choices we made as a start-up. The firm has provided invaluable advice and insight throughout the early stages of our business.
Great Communication. I was kept up to date at every stage of the process.
Settlement agreement advice that’s tailored to your circumstances
Our experienced team of employment solicitors will be able to guide you through all aspects of the negotiation, including the following:
What the potential claims and liabilities are |
We’ll advise you on the potential claims being compromised or settled and the potential value of those claims. Whatever the scenario – including if it’s a collective redundancy exercise, the employee has been with the business a long time, or if the employee is making allegations relating to discrimination or unfair dismissal – we can help minimise the negative impact of terminating an employment contract. Our aim is to bring about a speedy and beneficial settlement agreement for your business.
Termination payments |
We can advise you on what an employee is contractually and statutorily entitled to and what level of ‘ex gratia’ payment might settle any potential claims or would be reasonable in the circumstances and how this payment benefits from certain tax exemptions.
Post termination restrictions |
We can advise on what restrictions an employee will continue to be bound by after their employment ends. This could relate to intellectual property, confidentiality, competition, solicitation of clients or potential clients and poaching of your staff. If there are no restrictions in place, we can help in drafting these within the settlement agreement for you for agreement by an employee, to better protect your business for a reasonable period after the employee leaves.
Negotiations |
Our specialist employment solicitors are experienced at negotiating effectively on behalf of our clients. We look at creative solutions to settle employment issues to help you avoid lengthy internal disciplinary or grievance processes or a more complex, time consuming and costly dispute where possible.
Who we help: Employers, management teams and HR professionals
We can take on the pressure of negotiating the terms of a settlement agreement for you. That way, you know there is in an experienced pair of hands taking care of legal matters whilst you continue running your business, without any unwelcome distraction. We will take your instructions and get an appreciation of your business’ priorities and red lines and ensure that we do the best job we can to provide the best settlement agreement for you and your business.
Employment solicitors that make HR hassle-free
Our specialist employment solicitors have all dealt with numerous employment settlement agreements as part of negotiating complicated severance packages for top executives and handling delicate redundancy procedures. Our solicitors are praised by our clients for their strategic and pragmatic thinking, which whilst commercially focused is also practical and provided in plain English.
We differ from other firms in that we can also provide you with a fully integrated service. Our holistic approach means we can go beyond negotiating settlement agreements and employment law support and provide you with all associated business legal requirements required to help your business scale. From corporate advice on raising venture capital, to data protection audits, drafting complex commercial contracts and adeptly handling disputes, you can lean on our team of commercially astute solicitors when it comes to all aspects of your business’ legal requirements.
Meet the team ready to assist you.
Pricing plans
Our three transparent pricing packages are designed to give you the widest possible access to high-quality legal advice, whatever the size and nature of your business:
City
Straightforward access to senior solicitors at a competitive rate.
An affordable solution for businesses needing one-off legal support. Receive ‘City’ partner-level expertise at a fraction of ‘City’ prices.
Enterprise
Have legal peace of mind for £189 per month with additional support from £99 per hour.
A monthly subscription legal support package specifically designed for start-ups and smaller businesses.
On-Demand
For businesses requiring 60+ hours of support a year, with prices equivalent to £99 per hour.
Fully account managed quarterly subscription service for businesses with more complex legal needs.
