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Employment Law (Personal)
Settlement agreements
If you’re negotiating a settlement agreement with your employer, you will need to consult a legal specialist. Tees can help you get the best deal.
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Specialist settlement agreement solicitors: Expert legal advice
What is a settlement agreement?
Settlement agreements (which used to be known as compromise agreements) are legally binding agreements between employers and employees. They’re often used in redundancy situations to offer enhanced payments to employees. They can be used when the parties want to part company for other reasons. Usually your employer agrees to pay you an amount of money in return for you agreeing not to take them to an employment tribunal or other civil court in the future.
"Sound, practical advice given in clear terms and tailored to the client's needs. Approachable and easy to work with." Legal 500 2026
Whose interests are being protected in a settlement agreement?
For you as the employee, you’ll have certainty about the terms of your exit. For your employer, they’ll have the knowledge that you won’t take them to a tribunal or to court over your redundancy or termination of employment. So there are advantages for both sides. Your employer will tell you to take independent legal advice from a solicitor before you sign the agreement (this is a requirement) and they may make a contribution towards the costs of doing so.
How we can help with your settlement agreement
- advise you on your legal rights so you get fair deal
- negotiate with your employer on your behalf, so you get the best possible result
- explain the additional benefits you could secure e.g. a good reference for a future employer, agreement on the wording of how your departure is explained to colleagues, clients, suppliers etc.
- advise you if we think your employer is treating you unfairly, as to what legal action you could take if you choose
- draft the settlement agreement legal contract
Legal and financial advice under one roof
Tees is a top-tier Legal 500 firm offering joined-up legal and financial services. We have our own independent financial advisers (IFAs), who work closely with our lawyers.
Our advisers provide holistic financial planning and as we are not connected to any one provider, we can offer a whole-of-market approach for the range of products we can advise on. We can also give independent advice for a whole range of insurance products to protect you and your family. Our IFAs are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, which means we’re accountable for the advice we give.
Get in touch today, we’re here to help
We understand that negotiating a settlement agreement can be a stressful and uncertain time. Our employment lawyers will focus on achieving the best possible outcome for you, while making the process as straightforward as possible.
We’ll explain your options in clear, plain English, answer your questions and keep you informed at every stage. You can meet with us in person or communicate by phone, email or letter – whatever works best for you.
We have offices across Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire, but we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.
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What our clients say
★★★★★
“I had a separation agreement from my employer for which I needed prompt legal assistance, as I had a deadline of ~48 hours. After I contacted Tees, Ola called me almost immediately. She worked quickly and she was thorough and courteous with her advice towards me and her communication with my employer.”
★★★★★
“Katherine Jameson has a great strategic mind and is always thinking three steps ahead. She is always across her brief and has considered every aspect of every case she is working on. A safe pair of hands.”
Legal 500 2026
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