What Exactly is a Settlement Agreement?
A settlement agreement is a voluntary, legally binding contract between you and your employer, usually involving you receiving benefits including a lump sum in exchange for waiving the right to later bring certain claims covered in the agreement at an employment tribunal. Usually settlement agreements are suggested by employers to end contracts in situations where otherwise unresolvable issues have arisen, however they can also be used for the resolution of less serious workplace issues such as a dispute over holiday pay. Although this is less common, an employee can also request a settlement agreement if they feel they have a valid grievance that could otherwise be taken to an employment tribunal. Regardless of the circumstances of your settlement agreement, it’s vital to get advice from an employment lawyer at every step of the process. Indeed, no settlement agreement is valid unless you have sought independent legal advice before signing it.
Will I Still Be Able to Get a Reference For My Next Job?
Usually a settlement agreement will incorporate a clause stating your current employer’s willingness to provide you with a satisfactory reference to help you find your next job. However, this is not a legal requirement, so it’s your responsibility to make sure that this included. Also, it’s crucial to bear in mind that a ‘standard reference’ is in fact a very simple document which merely states your job title and dates of employment. If it’s important to you to receive an enhanced reference, then you must negotiate this as part of your settlement agreement, in the knowledge that your employer has a legal obligation not to state anything they believe to be false or misleading. It’s also vital to include a clause stating that any oral requests for a reference will reflect what is said in the agreed written version.
Do I Need to Tell My New Employer About My Settlement Agreement?
Although the terms of settlement agreements vary, it’s standard practice to include a confidentiality clause to protect both parties’ reputations and privacy. Depending on the circumstances, this may only cover details such as the amount of money paid out, or it could extend to the entire contract. If, rather than keep the details secret, you feel you would like to be able to openly discuss your reason for leaving your current employment with future employers, you must make sure the terms of your settlement agreement allow this, otherwise you could be in breach of contract. This provision for confidentiality is in stark contrast to the situation regarding employment tribunals, as details of all employment tribunals from February 2017 onwards are now available at www.gov.uk, meaning that any potential employer can see if you have recently sued a former employer for treating you unlawfully.
Will a Settlement Agreement Cover My Costs As I Look For My Next Job?
As the ultimate aim is for you and your employer to part company under the terms of an agreement that benefits you both, it’s usual to receive a cash payment in addition to pay and benefits owed. In many cases, this lump sum, or at least some of it, will be tax free and can indeed help bridge the gap in your day-to-day expenses as you embark on the search for your next job. Certainly, if you feel that leaving your job will mean you will be without an income for a significant period of time, it’s important that the pay out in your settlement agreement reflects this. However, the right to be given adequate time off to attend interviews can also be part of your settlement agreement, so you may not face the same kind of disruption to your career that can be involved in the long and stressful process of an employment tribunal. Also, it is standard practice for your employer to cover your legal fees in relation to your settlement agreement so you can rest assured the legal process itself will not leave you out of pocket.
Can My Employer Stop Me Applying For My Next Job?
In some cases, an employer may stipulate certain conditions in order to part company with an employee under the terms of a settlement agreement. Just as some senior executives are put on ‘garden leave’ when they resign to work for a rival company, a settlement agreement may include restrictions stipulating that you are unable to start working in a similar field for a certain period of time or to contact your employers customers for the benefit of a competing business. Also, when negotiating your settlement amount, your employer may ask you to confirm that you have not been offered a new job, as this could affect the amount of money they are willing to award you.
Expert Legal Settlement Pgreements Advice
For expert advice from the specialist employment lawyers at RotheraBray on settlement agreements and other employment law issues, contact us today.
