Last reviewed October 2026.
Has your employer in Aldershot given you a settlement agreement? It’s a legal document that’s usually used when your job is coming to an end, or to settle a dispute at work. Before you sign, you need advice on the agreement from an independent adviser, usually a solicitor. Without that advice, the agreement can’t stop you bringing claims against your employer at an employment tribunal. That’s why your employer normally offers to pay towards the cost.
If your employer offers to pay, we won’t charge more than the amount they offer. That’s our cost promise. We send the bill straight to your employer.
Call 0800 861 1883 to a specialist settlement agreement solicitor. Advice is by telephone or video and same-day appointments are usually available.
The employment picture in Aldershot and Farnborough
Aldershot Garrison has long been regarded as the home of the British Army and houses the headquarters of the Army’s Regional Command and Home Command. Many of the people who work there are civilians: Ministry of Defence civil servants and the staff of contractors who run facilities, catering, maintenance and other services. Civil service exits often run through the Civil Service Compensation Scheme.
Defence technology. Cody Technology Park in Farnborough, and the area supports a wider network of defence, aerospace and engineering businesses.
The NHS and local government. Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Frimley Park Hospital a few miles north of Aldershot, employs close to 10,000 people, Rushmoor Borough Council and Hampshire County Council are also large employers in the area.
NHS exits frequently use a mutually agreed resignation scheme.
Where would a claim from Aldershot be heard?
Aldershot has a court, but not an employment tribunal. The Aldershot Justice Centre at the Civic Centre on Wellington Avenue deals with crime, family cases, housing, money claims and benefit appeals. It does not list claims against employers.
A tribunal claim is presented online and then allocated to a regional office. HMCTS guidance T420 says the office is normally decided by the postcode of the place where you worked. Aldershot (GU11 and GU12), Farnborough (GU14), Camberley (GU15), Fleet (GU51 and GU52) and Farnham (GU9) are all allocated to the Watford office at Radius House, 51 Clarendon Road, Watford. A few miles south the picture changes: Bordon and Whitehill (GU35) are allocated to Bristol.
What the law requires
For the waiver of your claims to work, section 203(3) of the Employment Rights Act 1996 requires the agreement to be in writing, to relate to the particular complaints being settled, to identify your adviser, and to state that the statutory conditions are met. You must have received advice on its terms and effect from a relevant independent adviser who is covered by insurance. The adviser can be a qualified solicitor, a certified trade union official or a certified advice centre worker (section 203(3A)).
How much time do you have?
The Acas Code of Practice on Settlement Agreements says that, as a general rule, you should have at least 10 calendar days to consider the formal written terms and take advice (paragraph 12). That is guidance rather than a legal deadline, so if you are asked to sign within a day or two, call us and ask your employer for more time.
Note that the time limit for most tribunal claims changed on 1 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an employment tribunal in Aldershot?
No. The Aldershot Justice Centre on Wellington Avenue handles crime, family, housing, money claims and benefit appeals, but not claims against employers. Claims from Aldershot workplaces (GU11 and GU12) are allocated to the Watford employment tribunal office at Radius House, 51 Clarendon Road, Watford WD17 1HP. Where and how a hearing takes place, including whether it is held by video, is a matter for the tribunal.
Who pays for settlement agreement advice?
Your employer, in almost every case. A contribution towards your legal fees is a standard term, and it is usually written into the agreement. We cap our fee at that contribution and invoice your employer directly.
Is my settlement payment tax free?
The first £30,000 of a genuine compensation payment for loss of employment can usually be paid free of income tax. Salary, notice pay, holiday pay and bonuses are taxed in the normal way. Our guide explains whether the payment is tax free.
Settlement agreement fact
You can sign a settlement agreement without advice and still be bound by it as a contract. What fails without advice is the waiver of your statutory employment claims, which only works if a relevant independent adviser has advised you on the agreement’s terms and effect. Our settlement agreement guide explains this in more detail.
Areas we cover
We advise employees across Aldershot, Farnborough, Fleet, Farnham, Ash and Ash Vale, Church Crookham, Camberley, Frimley and Yateley, all by phone or video.
Legal Disclaimer
The contents of this page are intended to be for general information purposes only and do not amount to (nor are they intended to be) legal, tax or financial advice or a complete or authoritative statement of the law nor should they be treated as such. No warranty or promise is given, express or implied, as to accuracy of the information on this page and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. You should instruct a specialist employment solicitor to advise you on your particular situation and not act or rely on the information on this page.
Need solicitor advice?
For a confidential chat with a specialist employment solicitor please call 0800 861 1883 or request a call back.
