We are often asked if there really is no other way to sort out an employment dispute, apart from signing a compromise agreement.

These agreements seem to be an expense for the employer, and the employee has to give up some possible claims in return.

No one is forced to sign a compromise agreement. An agreement has to be AGREED! The trouble is that employees sometimes feel thay are forced to sign an agreement unwillingly.

How a Binding Agreement Is Created

To protect against employees being forced to give up rights given to them by English statutes the law says that these rights can only be surrendered with the approval of an ACAS  officer, a court or tribunal, or a solicitor. If it is not approved it is not a binding agreement, and an employee could reject it later.

This means that having a fully binding agreement is definitely to the benefit of both sides.

The employer will be sure that an issue that was believed settled doesn't resurface and that a totally new claim does not appear unexpectedly.

For the employee, issues are sorted out fast, typically with improved terms, and the whole deal is reviewed by an independent lawyer - normally at no cost to the employee.

This means that it is vital the agreement covers all the possible issues, and that the employee knows there will be no chance to have another go at getting improved terms

The independent adviser  will normally be be an independent solicitor, and for the compromise agreement to be a valid it must always be approved by someone  who is independent of the employer's disciplinary or redundancy process.

The Compromise Agreement  is certainly the quickest and cheapest way to conclude almost any employment issue, in a binding agreement, way that is clear, fair and free of ambiguity.

Guy Thompson & Co is an established law firm working for clients based in the City of London.

All Compromise Agreements are handled personally by Guy Thompson, or one of a select group of consultants who have worked with financial institutions and City companies and staff for many years. Arrange a meeting at their City meeting rooms, or wherever is convenient to you.

We can provide quick and objective advice to both employer and employee.

For further information call us now on 020 7274 6874 or write to us at guy.thompson@guyt.co.uk