Frequently Asked Questions

About Solidaire Solicitors

Who are Solidaire Solicitors?

Solidaire Solicitors is a specialist employment law firm with a strong focus on redundancies and settlement agreements for employees and employers across the UK.

Where are you based and do you only act locally?

Solidaire Solicitors is based in Milton Keynes but advises clients nationwide, providing remote consultations, document reviews and sign-off wherever you are in the UK.

What areas of employment law do you cover?

The firm advises on settlement agreements, redundancy, unfair dismissal, discrimination, performance procedures (including PIPs), pay issues (including minimum and living wage), and wider employment law disputes.

Do you act for employees, employers, or both?

Solidaire provides specialist employment law advice to both individual employees and business employers, tailoring strategy, risk assessment and documentation to each side’s needs.

Contact Us Today!

Please fill in the form and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

Settlement Agreements

What is a settlement agreement?

A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract that resolves a workplace dispute or potential claim, often in return for a payment and other agreed terms, and usually prevents further legal proceedings.

How is a settlement agreement different from a redundancy letter or dismissal letter?

A redundancy or dismissal letter explains the employer’s decision to end employment, whereas a settlement agreement is a negotiated contract setting out compensation and terms under which both parties agree not to bring or continue claims.

Do I need legal advice before signing a settlement agreement?

Yes, employees must receive independent legal advice on the effect of the agreement and its impact on their ability to pursue claims in order for the agreement to be valid and enforceable.

Can you review my settlement agreement quickly?

Solidaire offers fast, specialist reviews and can often negotiate improved terms and sign off remotely, making the process as quick and convenient as possible.

Will it cost me anything to get my settlement agreement signed off?

In many cases, settlement agreement advice can be provided at no cost to you because the employer’s contribution to legal fees covers the firm’s fixed-fee service for reviewing and advising on the agreement.

Can you help me negotiate a better settlement?

Yes, the firm’s employment solicitors routinely negotiate on compensation, notice pay, bonuses, benefits, references, confidentiality and post-termination restrictions to secure better packages and protections for clients.

What kind of improvements are realistic in negotiations?

Improvements might include higher ex-gratia compensation, extended notice or garden leave, bonus or commission treatment, protection of share options, and more favourable reference and confidentiality wording.

Can you provide a quick estimate of what I might be owed?

Solidaire offers a free settlement estimate service to give an early indication of what you may reasonably expect in your situation, before you decide how to proceed.

Redundancy and Redundancy Rights

What is redundancy in UK employment law?

Redundancy arises where your role is no longer required due to business needs, such as workplace closure, reduced demand, or restructuring, and is distinct from dismissal for misconduct or poor performance.

How is redundancy different from unfair dismissal?

Redundancy is based on a genuine business need to reduce roles, while unfair dismissal usually involves a failure to follow fair procedures or dismissing for reasons that are not legally fair; some redundancies can still be challenged as unfair if the process or selection is flawed.

What laws govern redundancy in the UK?

Redundancy rights mainly come from the Employment Rights Act 1996 and related regulations, which set out rules on consultation, fair selection, alternative employment and statutory redundancy pay.

Am I entitled to redundancy pay?

If you are an employee with at least two years’ continuous service and you are made redundant, you are usually entitled to statutory redundancy pay, with the amount depending on age, length of service and weekly pay (subject to statutory caps).

Am I entitled to redundancy pay?

What is a fair redundancy selection process?

A fair process uses objective, non-discriminatory criteria such as skills, qualifications, performance and length of service, and avoids selection based on protected characteristics like age, sex, disability, race or pregnancy.

Can I challenge my redundancy as unfair or discriminatory?

Yes, you may challenge redundancy if the consultation was inadequate, the selection criteria or scoring were unfair, or the process was discriminatory; legal advice can assess whether you have grounds to bring a claim or seek improved terms.

What is redundancy consultation and how long should it last?

Consultation is the employer’s obligation to discuss the proposed redundancy, reasons and alternatives with affected employees, and where 20 or more employees are at risk it must follow collective consultation rules with minimum time periods.

What is redundancy consultation and how long should it last?

Does my employer have to look for alternative roles for me?

Employers are expected to consider suitable alternative employment within the organisation and to offer appropriate vacancies where available, and failure to do so can affect the fairness of the redundancy.

How can Solidaire help me if I am at risk of redundancy?

The firm can review your situation, check whether the process is fair and lawful, advise on consultation meetings, challenge unfair selection, calculate statutory and enhanced redundancy entitlements and negotiate on your behalf, including via a settlement agreement.

General Employment Law Help

What other employment issues can you advise on?

Solidaire assists with unfair dismissal, discrimination and harassment, whistleblowing, pay disputes (including national minimum and living wage), performance and capability procedures, contract and handbook reviews, and employment tribunal claims.

Can you help during a protected conversation or “without prejudice” meeting?

Yes, the firm can give real-time or prompt advice on protected conversations and without prejudice discussions, helping you understand your options, respond strategically and avoid agreeing to terms that undermine your rights.

Do you represent clients at the Employment Tribunal?

Where settlement cannot be achieved on acceptable terms, Solidaire can advise on the merits of a claim, time limits, evidence and procedure, and provide representation in Employment Tribunal proceedings.

Is your advice easy to understand for non-lawyers?

The firm focuses on explaining legal concepts in clear, plain English and providing practical, step-by-step guidance so that you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Working With Solidaire

How quickly will you respond if I contact you?

If you complete the online enquiry form or get in touch, the team aims to respond within 24 hours to discuss your situation and next steps.

How do I contact Solidaire Solicitors?

You can contact the firm by phone on 0333 339 4786, by email at info@solidaire.co.uk, or via the online contact form on the website.

Do you offer a free initial discussion?

Solidaire offers a free, no-obligation initial chat so you can outline your redundancy, settlement agreement or other employment issue and understand how the firm can help before instructing.

Do you work on fixed fees?

For many services, including settlement agreement reviews, the firm operates on a clear fixed-fee basis with transparent pricing and no hidden costs, often using the employer’s contribution towards legal fees.

Can everything be handled remotely?

Yes, from document review and advice calls to electronic signing of settlement agreements, your matter can be managed remotely without needing to attend the office in person.

NHS MARS

Is MARS the same as redundancy?

No. MARS is not a redundancy. It is a voluntary resignation scheme with a financial incentive, and you will not be entitled to statutory redundancy pay or other redundancy rights.

Can I change my mind after applying for MARS?

Yes, you can change your mind up until the point that a formal agreement is signed by both parties. Once the agreement is signed, the resignation is final and legally binding.

How is the MARS payment calculated?

The payment varies between NHS trusts and is usually based on a calculation involving your salary and years of service. It is a one-off, non-pensionable payment and may be subject to tax.

Will MARS affect my NHS pension?

Yes, it can. Because MARS is not a retirement scheme, leaving under MARS may affect your pension benefits and future accrual, so specialist pension advice is important before accepting an offer.

Can I work for the NHS again after taking MARS?

Most schemes restrict re-employment within the same NHS organisation for at least six months, and some extend restrictions more broadly across the NHS, depending on the trust’s rules.

Do I have to get legal advice for MARS?

Yes, if you are asked to sign a settlement agreement, so that you fully understand your rights and obligations.

Can my employer force me to apply for MARS?

No. MARS is entirely voluntary. You cannot be compelled to apply, and even if you do apply, your employer is not obliged to accept your application.

Can I challenge a MARS settlement agreement after signing?

In some cases, an employee might challenge the validity of a settlement agreement if they believe they were coerced or legal requirements were not met, which is why obtaining legal advice beforehand is crucial.

Contact Us Today!

Please fill in the form and we will get back to you within 24 hours.