If you work in the NHS and have been offered a settlement agreement as part of an NHS voluntary redundancy or severance scheme or under the Mutual Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS), it is a legal requirement that you have independent advice before you sign.
A settlement agreement is a legally binding agreement and involves you waiving your right to bring certain employment claims in return for a payment and agreed exit terms.
At Ward Hadaway, our team of settlement agreement specialists have many years’ experience in supporting NHS employees like you with the advice that they need to make confident decisions.
We live by our values of being straightforward, respectful and ambitious. The advice that you can expect to receive from us will be expert, practical and clear.
We understand that for many people, leaving employment is a life changing decision. Our solicitors’ approach is compassionate and sensitive.
Why you need legal advice
Under English law, a settlement agreement is only legally valid and binding if you receive advice from an independent adviser. This is usually a solicitor but can also be a recognised trade union representative.
Expert advice from Ward Hadaway
All our team of expert employment solicitors are experienced in providing advice on settlement agreements.
We typically advise on:
- The terms and effect of the settlement agreement
- The financial terms, including the impact of the timing of any payments and tax implications
- Notice requirements, termination dates, holiday payments and benefits
- References and agreed wording
- Confidentiality and post-termination restrictions
- The claims you would be waiving and what that means in practice
We understand the structure, pressures and timescales that often accompany these schemes, and we provide clear, practical advice to ensure our clients fully understand their position before signing.
Find out more about our Employment Law practice.
Has your employer recommended Ward Hadaway?
Ward Hadaway has been advising employees on their settlement agreements from NHS organisations throughout England.
We’d be happy to provide you with support.
Make Ward Hadaway your independent legal advisor
To instruct us as your legal team and receive advice and support on your settlement agreement, you will need to:
- Provide your contact details in the form below.
- You will be asked to complete our client onboarding process through an app called Thirdfort.
- Watch out for an SMS from Thirdfort with instructions on how to download the app.
- Once you have downloaded the app you will be asked to complete an ID verification.
- Once you have uploaded your ID you will receive an email from our support team with your client engagement pack.
- Shortly after that an appointment will be arranged with one of our experienced solicitors who will advise you on the terms and effect of your settlement agreement.
If you need people or employment legal advice – as an employer or employee – explore the wide range of services our award-winning team can offer.