What is a settlement agreement, and do I need a solicitor to sign one?

A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and employee, usually used to end employment on agreed terms or resolve a workplace dispute. In return for a payment or other benefits, the employee agrees not to bring certain claims against the employer. For the agreement to be legally binding, the employee must receive independent legal advice on its terms and effect. Employers often contribute towards the cost of this advice. Our employment solicitors can review your agreement, explain what you’re signing and, where appropriate, negotiate improved terms.

How long do I have to bring an employment tribunal claim?

For most claims where the act complained of, or the dismissal, happened on or after 1 October 2026, you now have six months to bring a claim. For events before that date, the previous three-month limit still applies. Before submitting most claims, you must also contact ACAS for early conciliation, which can pause the time limit. Deadlines are strictly applied and missing one can end your claim, so it’s important to seek legal advice as early as possible.

When am I protected against unfair dismissal?

Most employees currently need two years’ continuous service to bring an ordinary unfair dismissal claim. Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, this qualifying period will reduce to six months from 1 January 2027. Some protections apply from day one, however. For example, there’s no qualifying period for discrimination claims or for dismissals that are automatically unfair, such as those linked to whistleblowing or pregnancy. If you’re unsure where you stand, our employment lawyers can assess your situation and explain your options.

As an employer, what should I do if an employee raises a grievance or threatens a claim?

Act promptly and follow a fair, well-documented process in line with the ACAS Code of Practice. Failing to follow the Code can increase any compensation a tribunal awards. Avoid making decisions before you’ve investigated properly, and keep clear records of meetings and outcomes. Early legal advice can often resolve matters before they escalate. Our employment solicitors support employers with grievances, disciplinaries, settlement negotiations and tribunal defence, helping you manage risk and protect your business.

Do you advise employers and employees, and how much will it cost?

Yes. Our employment law team advises both employers and employees across England and Wales, from contracts and policies to settlement agreements, redundancies and tribunal claims. Every matter is different, so we’ll discuss your situation with you first and provide a clear, tailored quote before any work begins. Get in touch for an initial conversation with one of our experienced employment lawyers.

Employment Law

Expert Employment Law Solicitors for Employers & Employees

Contact our Employment Law Team

Modern open-plan office with a living plant wall

200+ Consultants

Across England & Wales

170+ 5 Star Reviews on TrustPilot

Employment Rights at Woodstock Legal Services

Whether you’re an employer managing your workforce or an employee concerned about your rights at work, clear legal advice can make all the difference. Woodstock Legal Services offers expert employment law advice to businesses and individuals across England and Wales.

Our employment law solicitors advise on both contentious and non-contentious matters. These include employment contracts and policies, settlement agreements, redundancy processes, disciplinary and grievance issues, and workplace restructures. We also have particular experience advising business leaders, senior executives, directors and board members.

Our team brings decades of experience, including a consultant solicitor with over 45 years in employment law who has seen the field evolve since the first employment tribunals were established. You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who understands both sides of the employment relationship and gives you practical, commercially minded advice you can act on.

Employment Dispute Resolution at Woodstock Legal Services

Workplace disputes can be stressful, disruptive and costly for employers and employees alike. Woodstock Legal Services helps clients resolve employment disputes across England and Wales, from early-stage grievances to employment tribunal claims.

Our employment solicitors advise on a wide range of disputes, including unfair dismissal, discrimination claims, settlement agreement negotiations, disputes involving senior executives, and employment tribunal defence.

Wherever possible, we look to resolve matters quickly and cost-effectively through negotiation or mediation, helping you avoid the time, expense and uncertainty of a tribunal hearing. If a claim does proceed to tribunal, our experienced lawyers will guide you through every stage and robustly protect your position.

You’ll work directly with an experienced lawyer who explains your options in plain English, gives you a realistic view of your case from the outset, and keeps you updated as matters progress.

Contact Us

Tell us a little about your situation, and we’ll put you in touch with the right specialist. Click the button below to get started.

Get in touch now

Employment Law FAQs

What is a settlement agreement, and do I need a solicitor to sign one?

A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract between an employer and employee, usually used to end employment on agreed terms or resolve a workplace dispute. In return for a payment or other benefits, the employee agrees not to bring certain claims against the employer. For the agreement to be legally binding, the employee must receive independent legal advice on its terms and effect. Employers often contribute towards the cost of this advice. Our employment solicitors can review your agreement, explain what you’re signing and, where appropriate, negotiate improved terms.
How long do I have to bring an employment tribunal claim?

For most claims where the act complained of, or the dismissal, happened on or after 1 October 2026, you now have six months to bring a claim. For events before that date, the previous three-month limit still applies. Before submitting most claims, you must also contact ACAS for early conciliation, which can pause the time limit. Deadlines are strictly applied and missing one can end your claim, so it’s important to seek legal advice as early as possible.
When am I protected against unfair dismissal?

Most employees currently need two years’ continuous service to bring an ordinary unfair dismissal claim. Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, this qualifying period will reduce to six months from 1 January 2027. Some protections apply from day one, however. For example, there’s no qualifying period for discrimination claims or for dismissals that are automatically unfair, such as those linked to whistleblowing or pregnancy. If you’re unsure where you stand, our employment lawyers can assess your situation and explain your options.
As an employer, what should I do if an employee raises a grievance or threatens a claim?

Act promptly and follow a fair, well-documented process in line with the ACAS Code of Practice. Failing to follow the Code can increase any compensation a tribunal awards. Avoid making decisions before you’ve investigated properly, and keep clear records of meetings and outcomes. Early legal advice can often resolve matters before they escalate. Our employment solicitors support employers with grievances, disciplinaries, settlement negotiations and tribunal defence, helping you manage risk and protect your business.
Do you advise employers and employees, and how much will it cost?

Yes. Our employment law team advises both employers and employees across England and Wales, from contracts and policies to settlement agreements, redundancies and tribunal claims. Every matter is different, so we’ll discuss your situation with you first and provide a clear, tailored quote before any work begins. Get in touch for an initial conversation with one of our experienced employment lawyers.

Why Choose Woodstock Legal Services?

Low Caseloads: Your Matter Gets Time

As consultants, our employment solicitors manage their own caseloads and only work for a handful of clients at any one time. Whether you’re negotiating a settlement or defending a claim, your matter gets the time, care and attention it deserves.

Proactive Updates: No Chasing

Our consultancy model means you deal directly with your lawyer, not a call centre or a rotating team. They keep you informed at every stage and are on hand to answer your questions, so you’ll never need to chase.

Advice for Employers & Employees

We advise both businesses and individuals, so we understand every side of the employment relationship. From contracts and settlement agreements to disputes and tribunal claims, you’ll get practical, commercially minded advice you can act on.

Meet our Employment Law Solicitors

Richard Hiron Consultant Solicitor of Woodstock Legal Services

Tony Bertin is a Consultant Solicitor at Woodstock Legal Services

Employment Law Client Testimonials

Harvey Shulman

"Harvey Shulman was assigned to my case, and I have to say I found his approach fantastic. Although the agreement was already favourable, Harvey managed to make adjustments which increased my settlement by over £1,000+. Harvey did so by entering the discussions in a polite tone, and managed to get it all resolved swiftly. I would trust Harvey to work on other areas of law he specialises in, and will definitely come back to Woodstock/Harvey should I require expert help in the future."

Richard Hiron

"Richard Hiron has recently assisted with my redundancy agreement. During this time he was extremely professional whilst be kind and ensuring I completely understood everything."

Reviews taken from TrustPilot & Google from October 2026