negotiate settlement agreement

<p>What is s settlement agreement? A settlement agreement is a legally binding agreement made between an employee and employer about the termination of a contract and the terms and conditions attached to it.</p> <p>You’re nervous, you’re not sure what terms your about to get. And when you do get them you’re not happy at all. What do you do? Well you negotiate!</p> <p>Here’s our guide to negotiating a settlement agreement.</p> <p>Prepare yourself.</p> <p>Don’t even think about going in there unprepared. You must take a few moments at least to think of the ideal outcome of the negotiation. Realise what is most important to you and what you’d like to happen.<img alt="man signing something." class="wp-image-4791 alignright" decoding="async" src="http://d-w-s.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/SigningImage2.jpg"/></p> <p>Then think about the worst case scenario. What’s the worst situation you’d find yourself in and what is the least you’d settle for? Make sure you know what is the worst you’d settle for. That way you won’t go lower than the boundaries you set.</p> <p>What do you need that your employer doesn’t really care for? Make sure you realise things you need that will cost your employer nothing. But will be of high value for you. For example, a reference. A settlement is a fantastic opportunity to get a great reference. It’s good for you and won’t cost your employer anything.</p> <p>Also, many employers don’t like their settlement payments to be disclosed…so agree to not to say a word. (Make sure your agreement is under a proper set of conditions). This could potentially help you gain a higher vantage.</p> <p>Now, the negotiating. Choose your approach:</p> <p>If your employer is offering you a bad deal, then make sure you take this approach. This is the threatening approach of ‘I’m taking you to the courts’.</p> <p>This approach should be taken if your relationship has broken down, or the deal offered is on terms you are not happy with at all. You should consider legal action if you are not pleased with the outcome of your settlement.</p> <p>A softly softly approach can be taken, and sometimes this can work. This is much more effective if you and your employer are on good terms and is willing to negotiate with you. Also, if they’re willing to give an amount your happy with.</p> <p>Make sure to ask questions, keep an open mind, listen and then speak. Re-phrase and repeat the terms they say to you, and be as reasonable as you can within your need and terms.</p> <p>If you wish to seek any legal advice around settlement agreements, or simply want to know more, don’t hesitate to call our team on: <strong>0116 2999 199</strong> or alternatively you can email us at: <strong>info@d-w-s.co.uk</strong></p>