Have you been offered a settlement agreement and you live or work in Wakefield? We can handle your settlement agreement, at no cost to you (your employer pays our fees). Advice is given by phone or video, with same-day appointments available where needed. We know that being handed a settlement agreement can be daunting. But as one of the most established sites dedicated to settlement agreements, we can guide you through the process, and our focus is on making it as stress-free as possible.
Start My Settlement or call us on 0800 861 1883 today.
What is a settlement agreement?
A settlement agreement is a legal document between an employee and employer under which the employee settles employment claims. Typically, settlement agreements are used when employment is ending. In exchange for an employee leaving their job and agreeing to give up certain claims, the employer will agree to make payments and/or provide non-financial benefits, such as a reference. A settlement agreement also usually includes non-financial commitments, such as those regarding confidentiality, non-disparagement, and return of company property.
Settlement agreements must satisfy certain technical conditions to validly waive statutory claims, for example claims for unfair dismissal or discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
Why do I need a solicitor?
The law requires the employee to be advised by a qualified independent legal adviser, for example a solicitor, to make the settlement agreement legally binding. We explain what a settlement agreement solicitor does, why the law requires one, and what to look for when choosing one in our guide: What is a Settlement Agreement Solicitor?
Where would a tribunal claim from Wakefield be heard?
Some claims may be referred to Sheffield but claims tend to be heard at the Leeds Employment Tribunal, West Gate, 6 Grace Street, Leeds LS1 2RP. Most settlement agreements never reach this stage, being resolved directly between employer and employee.
Do I need to visit an office in Wakefield to get advice?
No. We advise clients across Wakefield, and across the UK by phone and video call, which is usually quicker than an in-person meeting.
How much will it cost me?
Your employer will usually cover the legal fees as a condition of the agreement being valid, and in most cases, this covers our costs in full. See our cost promise for the details.
Wakefield’s employment picture
The beautiful, historic city of Wakefield has seen its economy has reportedly grown faster than the UK average over the past decade and it’s created jobs at roughly twice the rate per resident of typical cities in the UK. Wakefield sits where the M1, M62 and A1 meet, with a rail freight terminal on its doorstep. Together with manufacturing, logistics has accounted for around half of all new jobs created in the area, and transport and storage makes up roughly a tenth of local employment. Much of this work is based on large industrial estates around Normanton, Castleford and Wakefield itself. Wakefield also has a long industrial and confectionery heritage, and it remains home to major food, drink, pharmaceutical and clothing production sites, several of them among the largest of their kind in Europe. The NHS and local government are among the biggest employers in the district, with hospital and community services alone employing thousands of local people, while retail and leisure, digital and professional services are also key sectors for jobs in and around Wakefield.
Legal Disclaimer
The contents of this article 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 us on 0800 861 1883 or request a call back.
