Settlement Agreements

Specialist settlements legal advice and support. 

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Specialist settlement agreement solicitors

A settlement agreement brings the relationship between an employer and employee to an end through a legally-binding document covering both parties. Unfair dismissal claims, redundancy, breach of contract, equal pay, and discrimination can all be settled through without prejudice negotiations, which lead to both parties signing up to a settlement agreement.

Our employment law experts specialise in acting and advising on employment settlement agreements, negotiated exits, and severance packages, or offering a service for multiple employees, means we know how to look after people in the right way while negotiating the best deal for you.

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Why choose Foot Anstey?

Our settlement agreement solicitors understand that when considering and entering into a settlement agreement, it is a difficult moment for all parties involved. Our settlement agreement specialists approach each case in a reassuringly human way. We offer pragmatic and sensitive settlement agreement advice and know that it’s more than just a transaction – it’s history, pressure, and reputation, and we are there to navigate you through all angles.

For employees and employers alike, we ensure that you are supported throughout what is an uncertain and challenging time, in particular going through settlement agreement negotiations. We can manage the different dynamics involved in a way that puts the focus on the solution and supporting you to get through to the ultimate aim of a satisfactory arrangement bringing your relationship to an amicable close.

In addition to our experience and understanding, the systems we have in place also mean we can provide urgent settlement agreement advice quickly and remotely, ensuring we turn around settlement agreements efficiently.

Our people

In addition to our employment law experitse, our team’s size and breadth of experience in acting for both employees and employers in settlement agreements is signifcant. We offer UK-wide coverage and ensure that you have a dedicated settlement agreement solicitor from start to finish for a responsive and efficient end-to-end process.

Our team also has expertise in employment contracts and can advise on compromise agreements in cases of redundancy or negotiated exits.

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What do our clients say?

My experience of the employment law team in Bristol has been exceptional as has their knowledge and swift, decisive communication. Quickly sizing up the issue and then providing the solution.

Legal 500, 2025

Foot Anstey provides exceptional legal knowledge, imparted in a commercial way. It is able to articulate the options and risks in a way that allows us to truly assess risk and decide next steps.

Chambers UK, 2025

Frequently asked questions?

A Settlement Agreement solicitor is a legal expert who advises employees or employers on the terms of a settlement agreement, usually when employment is ending. They ensure the agreement is fair, lawful, and clearly sets out any compensation, notice pay, and post-employment restrictions. Employees must get independent legal advice for the agreement to be legally binding.

A Settlement Agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and employee that sets out agreed terms for ending employment, often including compensation in exchange for waiving legal claims.

Legal advice is essential because, under UK law, the agreement is only valid if the employee receives independent legal advice on its terms and effects. This ensures the employee fully understands their rights before signing.

It provides the employee with financial compensation in return for a compromise of the legal claims which the individual might have against their employer arising from their employment or its termination.

Employers may use settlement agreements when inviting their staff to consider voluntary redundancy severance packages or to manage the exit of a senior executive. An employee will be required to take their own independent legal advice on the terms and effect of a settlement agreement and the employer will normally make a contribution towards the legal fees for this advice.

A typical Settlement Agreement should include:

  • Termination date and reason for leaving
  • Financial compensation, including notice pay, redundancy, or ex gratia payments
  • Waiver of legal claims against the employer
  • Confidentiality clauses
  • Return of company property
  • References (if agreed)
  • Post-termination restrictions (e.g. non-compete clauses)

Each agreement is unique, so legal advice ensures the terms are fair and enforceable.

No, you’re not legally required to accept a Settlement Agreement. It’s entirely voluntary. If you’re not happy with the terms or feel pressured, you can refuse, negotiate better terms, or pursue other options such as an employment tribunal claim.

A solicitor can help you understand your rights and whether the offer is fair.

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