If your employer has presented you with a Settlement Agreement, it is crucial to take independent legal advice. Not only is this a required element of making a Settlement Agreement legally binding, but it is also the sensible course of action. Some people believe that a solicitor is only required to sign the Settlement Agreement in order to allow their payment to come through from their employer. While this may technically be the case, in practice, a legal professional can offer you far more valuable assistance throughout the process.
Understanding the Implications
The solicitor’s role is primarily to advise the employee about the implications of the Settlement Agreement and to help them understand what they may be waiving in order to receive the payment and other benefits outlined in the document. They will be able to advise the employee as to whether or not signing the Settlement Agreement is a good idea, and whether they may be better off taking the matter to tribunal or court.
Negotiating Improved Terms
A solicitor can also play a vital role in helping the employee negotiate a more favourable settlement and ensure that they are not being unfairly taken advantage of. For example, they can make sure that a good reference is negotiated for the employee as part of the Settlement Agreement so that their future employment is not negatively affected by the termination of their position. They can also prevent any overly onerous clauses being added to the document that could have a detrimental impact on the employee in the long term.
The Importance of Instructing a Solicitor
Essentially, a solicitor’s role in completing a Settlement Agreement is considerably more important than simply signing the paperwork. They will take due care and pay attention to the details in order to ensure that their client, the employee, will be in the best possible position once the document is made legally binding.
For more information or for expert advice on business or personal legal issues, contact us at info@carterbond.co.uk or visit our website www.carterbond.co.uk or call us on 020 3475 6751.
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