For individuals · Employment advice for individuals
When work stops working for you
Problems at work can affect your income, your confidence and your health. We help you understand your position and your options, and act quickly where time limits apply.
Overview
Employees often come to us at a point of pressure. A settlement agreement has arrived with a deadline, a disciplinary meeting is booked, a role is at risk of redundancy or a working relationship has broken down. The first step is understanding exactly where you stand, and that is where we start.
If you have been offered a settlement agreement, you will need advice from a relevant independent adviser before you sign, or the agreement won’t be valid. We explain what you are giving up, whether the terms look reasonable and what might be open to negotiation. Our practical guide to settlement agreements covers the basics.
If a dispute can’t be resolved at work, most employment tribunal claims require you to contact Acas for early conciliation first. Time limits are short. Employment law is also changing, so any advice needs to be checked against the rules in force at the time. It pays to take advice early.
When you might need us
- You have been offered a settlement agreement and need independent advice before signing
- You have been dismissed and believe it was unfair
- You are at risk of redundancy and want to check the process is being followed
- You feel you are being treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic
- You have raised a grievance and it isn’t being taken seriously
- You are leaving a job and want to understand the restrictions in your contract
What we cover
Settlement agreements
We review the agreement, explain its effect and sign the adviser’s certificate once you are ready. Where appropriate, we can negotiate the terms with your employer.
Dismissal and redundancy
We look at whether there was a fair reason and a fair process, and whether you have received what you are entitled to, including notice and any redundancy payment due.
Discrimination and harassment
We advise on how the Equality Act 2010 may apply to your situation and on practical steps, including raising a formal grievance.
Grievances and disciplinaries
We help you prepare for meetings, draft a grievance or appeal and understand what a fair process should look like.
Contracts and restrictive covenants
We explain your contract terms, including notice, bonus and post-employment restrictions, before you accept a role or when you are planning to leave.
Early conciliation and tribunal claims
If a claim may be needed, we explain the Acas early conciliation process, the time limits that apply and what bringing a claim involves.
How we approach it
Check the timings
We start by identifying any deadlines, whether for signing an agreement or bringing a claim, so nothing is missed.
Understand what happened
We go through the documents and your account of events, and ask the questions that help us assess your position fairly.
Give an honest view
We explain your options, the strengths and weaknesses of your position and what each route may cost you in time, money and stress.
Act on your instructions
Whether that means negotiating quietly, raising a grievance or preparing for early conciliation, we move at a pace that suits your situation.
What you can expect from us
- A clear explanation of costs at the start, including whether your employer is contributing
- Prompt attention where there is a deadline
- A named adviser who handles your matter
- Plain-English advice on what you are agreeing to
- Discretion and confidentiality throughout
Who you will work with
Related insights
Questions clients often ask
Why does a settlement agreement need a solicitor?
For a settlement agreement to validly waive most statutory employment claims, you must receive advice on its terms and effect from a relevant independent adviser, such as a qualified solicitor. The adviser signs a certificate confirming this. Employers often contribute towards the cost of that advice, but it is worth checking the agreement.
Do I have to sign a settlement agreement?
No. A settlement agreement is voluntary, and you can ask questions or try to negotiate before deciding. We will explain what you would be giving up and help you weigh that against what is being offered.
What is Acas early conciliation?
Before bringing most employment tribunal claims, you must notify Acas, which will offer to help both sides try to settle. If conciliation doesn’t resolve matters, Acas issues a certificate you need in order to bring a claim. Contacting Acas also affects how the time limit for a claim is calculated.
How long do I have to bring a claim?
Time limits for employment tribunal claims are short and depend on the type of claim. Employment law is also changing, so the rules need to be checked against those in force when your claim arises. Please take advice as soon as you can rather than waiting.
This page is general information about employment law in England and Wales, not legal advice, and the law is changing, so advice will depend on your individual circumstances and the rules in force at the time. Harton & Vale Legal is a fictional firm created as a design concept, so nothing here is legal advice. About this concept.
Make an enquiry
Talk to us about employment advice for individuals.
Tell us briefly what has happened and what you would like to achieve. There is no obligation, and we will be straightforward about whether we are the right people to help.
We read your enquiry
A member of the relevant team reviews it, usually within one working day.
A short, no-obligation call
We ask a few questions, explain how we could help and outline the likely next steps.
Clear terms before any work
If you would like to go ahead, we confirm the scope, who will handle it and the costs in writing.