In this episode of Your Settlement Agreement Solicitor, Geoffrey Caesar explores the ins and outs of Payment in Lieu of Notice (PILON) when an employee is on long-term sick leave. A common question arises: if an employee is unfit to work due to illness, should PILON still reflect their full contractual salary, or should it be based on a reduced sick pay rate?

Geoffrey unpacks what PILON means and how it's typically calculated, emphasizing that, under UK employment law, PILON should be paid at the employee's usual salary regardless of sick leave. Employers choosing to end an employment contract through PILON are obligated to compensate for the full notice period, bypassing any reduced sick pay rates that might otherwise apply. Geoffrey also covers the distinction between PILON and working notice on sick leave, offering clarity on how these terms affect an employee’s final pay.

The episode concludes with guidance on what to do if there’s a dispute over PILON, highlighting the importance of reviewing employment contracts and, when needed, seeking legal advice to fully understand rights and obligations.

Tune in to learn why PILON protects employees financially even if they’re unable to work, helping both employees and employers navigate this often complex situation with confidence.

On Monday, 20th January 2025, Donald Trump will be sworn in as president of the US, again. The outcome of the US presidential election has sparked strong reactions internationally, including here in the UK.

Trump’s controversial legacy includes numerous allegations of sexual harassment, raising questions about workplace culture, power dynamics, and how we respond to these issues. In this episode, I will explore what this means for UK businesses and employees and how settlement agreements might be affected as companies and workers reflect on what this new era means for them.

A second Trump presidency implies a permissiveness in the US when it comes to sexual harassment. This contrasts with the tightening of anti-sexual harassment legislation in the UK. The combination of a permissive attitude in the US permeating UK work culture and a simultaneous development of UK law to prevent sexual harassment could create a perfect storm for a rise in workplace disputes involving sexual harassment. This may drive an increase in the use of settlement agreements both to settle claims and to get rid of employees who pose a risk under emerging UK legislation.

In Episode 20 of Your Settlement Agreement Solicitor, host Geoffrey Caesar explores a pivotal change in employment law with the recent introduction of compensation uplifts in workplace sexual harassment cases. As of October 26, 2024, employment tribunals can impose up to a 25% uplift in compensation where employers fail to prevent sexual harassment. This new law, added under Section 40A of the Equality Act, pushes employers to proactively tackle harassment risks, with significant financial consequences for those who don’t.

The episode delves into the reasons behind this law, its practical application, and the impact on settlement agreements. For employees, this law strengthens negotiation leverage, as the risk of an uplifted award could lead to higher settlement terms. Employers, on the other hand, face added pressure to settle harassment claims early and fairly, especially if they lack robust anti-harassment policies and training. Geoffrey also provides key insights for legal advisors navigating this new landscape, highlighting how this change affects risk assessment and settlement values.

Tune in to understand the practical and financial implications of this landmark law and how it shapes the future of workplace harassment claims and settlement discussions.

Your Settlement Agreement Solicitor, Geoffrey Caesar, breaks down Labour’s Autumn Budget 2024 and its potential impact on settlement agreements and employment law. The episode explores key updates, including increased funding for workplace dispute resolution, stricter redundancy consultation requirements, and higher penalties for non-compliance with employment standards. These changes could make mediation a more prominent step in dispute resolution and encourage employers to settle sooner to avoid fines, providing employees with greater leverage in negotiations.

Geoffrey also touches on the unchanged £30,000 tax-free threshold for settlement payments, noting potential future tax reforms that could affect how settlements are structured. For employees, he advises carefully evaluating offers, considering mediation options, and leveraging the heightened compliance penalties for a better outcome.

Listeners are guided on navigating settlement agreements under the new budget policies, with insights on maximising negotiation advantages and securing fair terms in an evolving legal landscape.

In Episode 18 of Your Settlement Agreement Solicitor, host Geoffrey Caesar dives into the critical differences between probation periods and the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal rights, clarifying a widespread misconception around these terms.

With Labour’s new Employment Rights Bill stirring debate, many are confusing the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection with probation periods. Geoffrey explains how, under current legislation, these are distinct: probation is purely a contractual matter, while unfair dismissal rights apply only after two years of continuous employment—until the new Bill takes effect.

Geoffrey explores how unfair dismissal protections are structured under the Employment Rights Act 1996, why settlement agreements often become an attractive solution for employers, and what changes the new Bill will bring. If enacted, the Bill will repeal the two-year qualifying period, likely leading to a rise in settlement agreements, especially during an employee’s “initial period.”

Whether you’re nearing the two-year mark at work or navigating employment challenges, this episode offers invaluable insight into your rights and how they influence fair settlements.

In this special edition of Your Settlement Agreement Solicitor, Geoffrey Caesar unpacks the Employment Rights Bill, which was unveiled on 10th October 2024. Geoffrey explains what the Bill means for employees and employers and assesses the likely impact of its various provisions on the use of settlement agreements.

This Bill heralds an incredible new era of employee rights and many new burdens for business. While the bill is proving divisive, everyone can agree that the landscape of employment law is set for seismic changes over the next couple of years.

Subscribe to Your Settlement Agreement Solicitor to keep track of the upcoming changes in employment law legislation and understand how settlement agreements can be used to resolve most of the disputes that will inevitably arise.

If you have received a settlement agreement, email geoffrey@settlementsolicitor.uk or call 0800 061 4816 for a free, fast, confidential service.

Have you received a settlement agreement? Need expert help—fast? You’ve come to the right place.

I’m Geoffrey Caesar, a solicitor of England and Wales with over 20 years of experience specialising in settlement agreements. My mission? To make your settlement process smooth, stress-free, and efficient.

Whether you’re looking to negotiate a better deal or just need peace of mind, I’m here to guide you, wherever you are.

Why choose me?

• Fast Turnaround – Get your agreement sorted in as little as 24 hours.
• Nationwide Service – From London to Leeds, I’ve got you covered by phone or online.
• Expert Advice – With decades of experience, I’ll secure the best outcome for you.

It’s simple:

1. Email me your agreement.
2. Get expert advice in a call.
3. Sign—and I’ll handle the rest.

No hidden fees. No hassle. Just expert advice, fast results, and total peace of mind.

Call now or visit YourSettlementAgreementSolicitor.com to get started, 100% free of charge.

I’m Geoffrey Caesar, your settlement agreement solicitor.

Received a settlement agreement? Email geoffrey@settlementsolicitor.uk or call 0800 061 4816 for a free, fast, confidential service.

Welcome to Your Settlement Agreement Solicitor, hosted by Geoffrey Caesar, a solicitor with over 20 years of experience in settlement agreements. In Episode 16, we tackle the crucial question: How does my salary impact the settlement amount? Geoffrey breaks down how your base salary influences various components of a settlement agreement, from statutory redundancy pay to enhanced payments, pay in lieu of notice (PILON), and compensation for loss of office. He also explains how bonuses, pension contributions, and future job prospects can play a role in negotiations. Tune in to discover how your earnings shape the final settlement figure and learn valuable tips for negotiating a fair outcome.

For free, confidential advice on your settlement agreement, contact Geoffrey at geoffrey@settlementsolicitor.uk or call 0800 061 4816.

Stay informed, secure your future!