Publication date: 27.01.2026
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I am Sergey Maiko, your personal lawyer.
My main goal is to help clients find optimal solutions in the field of employment law, ensuring reliable protection of their rights and financial interests. I specialise in employment, civil, and family law in the UK, which allows me to effectively handle cases related to termination, redundancy compensation, workplace disputes, and negotiations with employers.
I understand that ending an employment relationship is often stressful and uncertain. That is why my practice focuses on helping clients make legally informed decisions, avoid risks, and secure the best possible terms.
What is a settlement agreement?
A settlement agreement is a written contract between an employer and an employee that allows the parties to end the employment relationship on mutually agreed terms. The main purpose of such an agreement is to avoid lengthy and costly litigation by resolving issues such as redundancy compensation, confidentiality, and future employment references.
Once a settlement agreement in the UK is signed, the employee generally waives the right to bring future legal claims against the employer regarding matters specified in the document. This is why it is extremely important to obtain professional legal advice and fully understand all terms before signing.
Question
What are the key elements of a settlement agreement?
Answer
While the contents of an agreement depend on the specific case, most settlement agreements include:
- Agreed payments and redundancy compensation;
- References or a recommendation letter for future employment;
- Confidentiality provisions;
- Restrictive covenants regulating post-employment competition;
A list of claims the employee agrees to waive.
Question
When does a settlement agreement have legal force in the UK?
Answer
For a settlement agreement to be valid in England, Wales, and Scotland, the following conditions must be met:
The agreement must be in writing;
The employee must receive independent legal advice;
The agreement must include the name and qualifications of the advising lawyer;
It must clearly list the claims being waived (e.g., unfair dismissal or discrimination).
Once these requirements are met, the agreement becomes legally binding on both parties.
Question
Why shouldn’t you sign a settlement agreement without a lawyer?
Answer
Without legal advice, there is a risk of:
- Losing the right to fair redundancy compensation;
- Agreeing to excessive restrictive terms;
- Waiving legitimate claims without proper benefit.
Independent legal advice, employment law ensures that the terms are evaluated objectively and that you can make an informed decision. Legal fees are usually covered by the employer, but the lawyer acts solely in the employee’s interest.
Services Provided by the “Consultant” Legal Marketplace
The lawyers at “Consultant” provide:
- Analysis and explanation of settlement agreement terms;
- Review of legal and financial fairness of the terms;
- Negotiations with the employer;
- Improvement of redundancy compensation terms;
- Preparation and approval of the final agreement;
- Legal support until signing.
A settlement agreement UK is an effective tool for protecting your rights—but only when properly executed. A professional lawyer helps you avoid risks, secure fair terms, and make an informed decision.
By contacting “Consultant,” you receive reliable legal support, save time, and protect your financial interests.
