Negotiating Your Settlement Agreement
Been offered a Settlement Agreement? The first offer is rarely the best one. Our SRA-regulated solicitors are expert negotiators, here to provide fast, robust advice to ensure you get the fair and favourable terms you deserve.
This page is for employees. If you are an employer, please visit our dedicated page.
Is the First Offer Final?
It is important to remember that the first offer your employer makes is a starting point for negotiation, not a final decision. There are often several areas where improvements can be made.
The Financial Offer
We will assess if the payment adequately reflects your notice period, holiday pay, and any potential claims you may have, such as unfair dismissal.
The Job Reference
A positive, agreed-upon reference is a vital term. We ensure the wording is locked in as part of the binding agreement.
Confidentiality & Clauses
We review all clauses, including confidentiality and any restrictive covenants, to ensure they are fair and do not unreasonably restrict your future career.
Our 3-Step Negotiation Process
Review & Advise
Our solicitors conduct a rapid and thorough review of your agreement and advise you on its terms and potential areas for negotiation.
Negotiate on Your Behalf
We handle all communication with your employer, professionally negotiating to improve the financial offer and other key terms.
Finalise the Agreement
Once you are happy with the terms, we provide the final sign-off to make the agreement legally binding and secure your payment.
Real UK Case Study: Employee Leverage in Negotiations
Droghetti v Tullett Prebon Group Ltd [2018]
The Situation: An employee was dismissed and his final bonus payment was significantly reduced by his employer, who claimed they had "absolute discretion" to do so under his contract.
The Outcome: The High Court ruled that the employer's discretion was not absolute and that they had acted irrationally and unfairly. The employee was awarded his full bonus of over £300,000.
What this means for you: This case shows that even where an employer claims to have "discretion," their decisions must be fair and rational. If you feel an offer is unfair (e.g., regarding a bonus, commission, or redundancy payment), you may have significant leverage to negotiate a better outcome. We can identify this leverage for you.
"The Advice I Received Was Invaluable"
Your Questions About Negotiating a Settlement
The Negotiation Process
It begins with our review of your agreement. We then discuss with you what a fair outcome looks like. If you agree, we will contact your employer's representative on a "without prejudice" basis to formally open negotiations and present a counter-offer on your behalf.
While you can, it is often better to have a solicitor negotiate for you. We can argue the legal merits of your case dispassionately and professionally, which often leads to a better outcome than emotional, direct conversations.
If your employer makes a final offer and refuses to negotiate further, we will give you clear advice on your options. This will involve assessing the strength of any potential claims you have (like Employment Tribunal action) versus the certainty of the offer on the table, so you can make an informed decision.
This can vary. A straightforward negotiation might be resolved with a few emails over a couple of days. More complex negotiations can take a week or two. Our 24-hour review service ensures we can start the process for you without any delay.
Costs & Legal Fees
For the initial independent legal advice, your employer will almost always make a contribution to your legal fees, which often covers our entire cost. If you instruct us to carry out further, extensive negotiations, we will provide you with a clear, fixed-fee quote for that extra work before proceeding.
We will agree a fixed fee with you for any negotiation work. This fee does not change based on the final settlement amount. We do not offer 'No Win No Fee' agreements; our goal is simply to secure the best possible outcome for you based on our expert advice.
In most cases, the employer's contribution is sufficient for a straightforward review and sign-off. If significant negotiation is required, we will discuss our fixed fees for that work with you. Often, we can persuade the employer to increase their fee contribution as part of the final settlement.
No. We are committed to price transparency. All our fees will be clearly explained and agreed with you in writing before we undertake any work on your behalf, so you will have complete certainty and no surprises.
Don't Settle for the First Offer.
Let our expert solicitors review your agreement and negotiate to secure the fair and favourable terms you deserve. Protect your rights and your future.
Request Your 24-Hour ReviewGet in Touch
0330 333 8797
info@wildings-solicitors.co.uk
Visit us
862-864 Washwood Heath Rd, Ward End, Birmingham, B8 2NG
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
9.00am - 5.00pm
