Waterfront Doubles Severance Payment for Client

Our client was an employee in the satellite communications sector who had recently been dismissed and offered a severance package.

The client had been dismissed and offered a settlement agreement in the low to mid five‑figure range, excluding notice pay. Prior to dismissal, the client had disclosed a disability and requested reasonable adjustments, which were not properly implemented. Several months later, the employer informed the client that their role was redundant. The client considered that this sequence of events amounted to victimisation and potential disability discrimination. The situation required careful assessment of the strength of prospective claims and a strategy to challenge the employer’s position without escalating unnecessarily.

We met with the client to provide clear advice on their employment rights, the merits and value of potential claims, and what would constitute a fair settlement in the circumstances. We were transparent about costs and the likelihood of securing a contribution from the employer. We then set out the client’s legal position in writing, including the potential claims and their value, alongside a reasoned settlement proposal. Our approach combined firm, strategic negotiation with straightforward advice, enabling the client to understand their position and proceed with confidence. Drawing on our experience, we presented the case in a way that encouraged the employer to engage constructively and reassess its initial offer.

The employer agreed to double the initial severance offer, significantly improving the client’s financial position. The revised package provided the client with the financial security needed to take time in securing a new role. The employer also contributed towards legal fees, with only a small shortfall that was outweighed by the increase in compensation achieved.

Jamie Webster commented: “I was pleased to secure a substantial increase in the severance package. It provided the client with certainty and the financial support needed as they moved into their job search.”