COMPROMISE AGREEMENTS - EMPLOYMENT LAW SOLICITORS

Employment Law Solicitors

We represent clients in matters relating to employment law. We assist and support many employees who are presented with compromise agreements and severance agreements. Our highly skilled employment lawyers are always keen to examine the circumstances and terms of the compromise agreement with a view to considering whether it is the best option or deal for the client. We offer a free initial consultation to all employee clients.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 764 0102

Compromise Agreements

A compromise agreement is a document that employers may present to their employees for signing. A compromise agreement is used to deal with a dispute or possible dispute between an employer and an employee. Usually the employee is leaving his/her job. The employer usually pays a sum of money in return for the employee agreeing not to take further action in relation to problems that may have arisen in relation to his/her employment. It is essential that the employee gets legal advice and that the document is carefully drawn up for both parties’ interests to be safeguarded and for the agreement to be legally binding. In order to be legally binding, the compromise agreement must be counter-signed by a solicitor advising the employee and who is independent of the employer. The employer will normally pay all or part of the employee’s legal fees incurred in receiving the legal advice. The compromise agreement often offers an employee an amount of money over and above contractual obligations. This money is offered in return for the signing of the compromise agreement. The wording in the compromise agreement means that the employee is signing away any potential claims they may have against the employer as a result of the employer’s actions or dismissal. A compromise agreement is a very important agreement. Once signed the employee would not normally be able to complain about any treatment he/she had received from the employer. It is usual for the Employer to contribute all or part of the employee’s legal costs. Very often the sum offered will include an additional amount to cover the legal costs but it depends on the issues and whether the proposed deal is straightforward.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 764 0102

Specialist Legal Advice

Being presented with a compromise agreement by your employer can create an enormous amount of anxiety and uncertainty. It may feel as if your only option is to accept the existing terms of the compromise agreement. In fact, compromise agreements can be very positive, provided the terms offered properly compensate you for loss of office and any potential claims. However, compromise agreements can sometimes contain terms that appear unfair or simply offer to honour the contract of employment and no more. If presented with a compromise agreement, you must see a solicitor who is independent of your employer immediately. It is important that you ensure that the solicitor specialises in employment law, as some of the issues arising in compromise agreements can be complex. It is very important that the circumstances behind any departure from the company or dismissal are explored and balanced against the amount of money being offered. If the amount of money does not properly compensate you, it would be necessary for your solicitor to negotiate terms with your employer. In some circumstances, you may be advised to refuse to sign the compromise agreement and consider pursuing employment proceedings for unfair dismissal, discrimination or redundancy amongst other remedies.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 764 0102

Maximum Compensation

We approach each situation with sensitivity and ensure that the client is fully informed of their potential claim and circumstances, prior to signing the compromise agreement. We do not simply accept the terms originally offered by the employer and regularly negotiate further payments where appropriate. We are always independent of the employer and act in YOUR best interests even though the employer may be paying the legal costs, and even where the employer may have passed you our details. If, after discussing the situation, we feel that the client has not been properly compensated, we will assist the client in pursuing matters to an employment tribunal. We have an extremely successful history of negotiating successful terms in compromise agreements. We advise employees at all levels. Compromise agreements are not just about the amount of compensation on offer. Factors such as confidentiality, references, share schemes and other savings plans, restrictive covenants (e.g. preventing employees from working for a competitor) are all highly relevant when employment ends. Our vision is to provide a service comprising of expertise, professionalism and practical, results-driven advice, working with you, to achieve your goals quickly and at a realistic cost.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 764 0102

Qualified Professional Representation

We deal with employment law matters for employees. We will send you a client care letter and explain our terms of business at the beginning of your case. We will be sympathetic and understanding and once you have appointed us we will consult you at every important stage. We will find out from the start what you are hoping to achieve and aim to make sure that your expectations are realistic and are met as far as possible by the outcome. We will always seek to ensure that the employer pays for all or part of the legal fees. We will treat you fairly and keep what you tell us strictly confidential.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 764 0102