If you’ve been offered a settlement agreement by your employer and you believe it to be unfair, you may feel powerless and unsure of how to proceed. However, it’s important to know that you do have options.
Firstly, it’s important to seek legal advice from an employment lawyer. They will be able to assess the terms of the settlement agreement and advise you on whether it is indeed unfair or whether it could be renegotiated.
If you do decide to negotiate the terms of the agreement, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. This could include a higher financial settlement, changes to the wording of the agreement, or additional benefits such as a reference or an agreement to pay for training or outplacement support.
When negotiating, it’s important to be clear and concise about your concerns and what you want to achieve. It’s also important to be polite and professional, while still being assertive and not afraid to stand up for yourself.
If negotiations are unsuccessful, you may need to consider taking legal action. This could involve making a claim to an employment tribunal or seeking the advice of a trade union or professional body.
No matter how you choose to proceed, it’s important to remember that you have rights and that settlement agreements should be fair and reasonable. With the right legal advice and support, you have the power to ensure that you receive a settlement agreement that reflects your needs and interests.