Our client was an employee facing redundancy who had been offered an enhanced severance package by their employer.
The client was placed at risk of redundancy and presented with an enhanced severance package. While the offer was reasonable on its face, the client had concerns about the way the process had been handled and whether aspects of the employer’s conduct could amount to unlawful discrimination. Before approaching us, the client had spoken with several other advisers and had been left with the impression that there was little prospect of improving the package through negotiation. The employer’s HR team had also indicated that the offer was not open to negotiation. The client therefore sought a clear assessment of their position and the options available to them.
We began with a free initial discussion to understand the background to the matter and provide the client with clear information about their options and our charges before they decided whether to instruct us. Once engaged, we advised on the client’s legal rights and carefully assessed the advantages and disadvantages of seeking an improved settlement. Having reviewed the circumstances, we prepared a detailed and reasoned counter-proposal on the client’s behalf. Given some unusual features of the matter, we also applied our internal peer review process, enabling another member of the team to review the strategy and provide additional insight. This approach ensured that the client benefited from both specialist expertise and careful strategic analysis throughout the negotiations.
The employer agreed to improve the severance package following negotiations and then increased it again after a further round of discussions. The final outcome provided the client with a substantial financial safety net as they prepared for their next career move. In addition, the employer covered all of the client’s legal fees, ensuring that the full value of the negotiated settlement remained available to them.
Anthony Purvis, who was supported by Matthew Hodson on this transaction, commented: “The client was very happy with the result, which is why we do our job. We want the best outcomes for our clients and, when we are able to deliver them, it is a great feeling.”
Employment & HR Law