Employment Rights Act 1996: Primary legislation governing employment rights, including statutory requirements for valid settlement agreements, requirements for waiving employment claims, and protection of employee rights. Section 203 specifically deals with the validity requirements of settlement agreements including mandatory independent legal advice.

Equality Act 2010: Legislation protecting against discrimination based on protected characteristics. Critical for settlement agreements as it governs how discrimination claims can be validly waived and what protections must be included.

Companies Act 2006: Relevant when parties are companies rather than individuals, particularly regarding authority to enter into agreements and corporate capacity to contract.

Contracts Act 1999: Sets out fundamental principles of contract formation including offer, acceptance, consideration, and intention to create legal relations.

Limitation Act 1980: Establishes time limits for bringing different types of claims, which is crucial for determining what claims can be validly waived in a settlement agreement.

Civil Procedure Rules: Rules governing civil litigation in England and Wales, particularly relevant for settling ongoing litigation and the application of 'without prejudice' principles.

Protection from Harassment Act 1997: Legislation dealing with harassment claims, which may need to be addressed in settlement agreements where harassment allegations are involved.

Data Protection Act 2018/UK GDPR: Legislation governing the processing and protection of personal data, relevant for confidentiality clauses and data handling provisions in settlement agreements.

ACAS Code of Practice: Provides practical guidance on settlement agreements and good practice in handling employment disputes, though not strictly legislation.

Tax Legislation: Various tax laws affecting how settlement payments are treated for tax purposes, including Income Tax Act and provisions regarding tax-free settlement payments.