Negotiate a settlement agreement when leaving your job

This guide is for employees in England, Scotland or Wales who have been offered, or want to propose, a settlement agreement to end their employment. These offers often arrive suddenly, in a meeting, with pressure to decide quickly, and people regularly accept less than they could have negotiated or sign away rights without noticing. You will learn how to buy time, value your position, prepare for the legal advice you must take, and negotiate both the payment and the terms around it. This is general information, not legal advice; Northern Ireland has different rules, so check with the Labour Relations Agency there.

What is inside

• Full step-by-step method9 detailed steps with decision points
• Ready-to-use templatesHolding reply after a protected conversation · Counter-proposal email · Agreed reference and announcement to attach
• Timed action plan8 stages from “Day 1” to “After leaving”
• Costly mistakes to avoid4 traps and what to do instead
• Complete checklist12 items to tick off
• Insider tips and fixes4 tips and 4 common problems solved

Step by step

1. Buy time and get everything in writing

   If your employer raises an exit in a 'protected conversation' or 'without prejudice' meeting, listen, take notes and do not agree to anything in the room. Say: 'Thank you. I would like time to consider this properly and take independent advice. Please send me the proposal in writing.' Acas guidance suggests you should normally be given at least ten calendar days to consider a written settlement offer, so ask for that if they push for a faster answer. Write down the date, who was there and exactly what was said, including any reasons given for wanting you to leave. Keep doing your job normally and politely in the meantime; resigning or walking out now can weaken your position.