Severance Release Agreement for the United Kingdom

Severance Release Agreement Template for England and Wales

A legally binding agreement under England and Wales law that formalizes the termination of employment between an employer and employee. It sets out the terms of separation, including financial compensation, benefits, and mutual obligations. The agreement includes a release of claims by the employee in exchange for the agreed settlement package, while ensuring compliance with UK employment law requirements, including the necessity for independent legal advice.

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What is a Severance Release Agreement?

A Severance Release Agreement is used when employment is terminated by mutual agreement or as part of a settlement of potential claims. Common in restructuring, redundancy situations, or when resolving workplace disputes, this document is governed by England and Wales law and must comply with specific statutory requirements, including the Employment Rights Act 1996. It typically includes severance payment terms, benefits continuation, confidentiality obligations, and a comprehensive release of claims. The agreement must be reviewed by an independent legal adviser to be legally binding, and special attention must be paid to tax implications of payments and statutory requirements for valid settlement agreements.

What sections should be included in a Severance Release Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of employer and employee with full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Brief context of employment relationship and reason for agreement

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement including defined terms for Termination Date, Severance Payment, and Claims

4. Termination Date: Specific date employment ends, final working day if different, and confirmation of notice arrangements

5. Severance Payment: Amount, timing, and tax treatment of payments, including breakdown of statutory and ex-gratia elements

6. Claims Released: Comprehensive list of claims being waived by the employee, subject to statutory restrictions

7. Continuing Obligations: Ongoing duties including confidentiality, intellectual property, and company property return

8. Tax Indemnity: Employee's obligations regarding tax treatment of payments and indemnification of employer

9. Legal Advice: Confirmation of independent legal advice received and adviser details

What sections are optional to include in a Severance Release Agreement?

1. Garden Leave: Terms and conditions of garden leave period, including duties and restrictions

2. Reference: Terms of future employment references and agreed form of reference wording

3. Post-termination Restrictions: Non-compete, non-solicitation, and other restrictive covenants

4. Outplacement Support: Details of any career transition or outplacement services provided

5. Company Benefits: Treatment of benefits, insurance, and share schemes post-termination

What schedules should be included in a Severance Release Agreement?

1. Schedule 1 - Payment Details: Detailed breakdown of all payments including statutory redundancy, notice pay, and ex-gratia amounts

2. Schedule 2 - Claims Being Settled: Comprehensive list of statutory and contractual claims being waived under the agreement

3. Appendix 1 - Adviser's Certificate: Independent legal adviser's confirmation of advice given as required by law

4. Appendix 2 - Agreed Reference: Template of agreed reference wording if applicable

5. Appendix 3 - Return of Property Checklist: List of company property to be returned by the termination date

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

England and Wales

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Release Agreement

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Clauses
Industries

Employment Rights Act 1996: Key legislation governing statutory redundancy payments, unfair dismissal provisions, notice period requirements, and Section 203 requirements for validity of settlement agreements including mandatory independent legal advice

Equality Act 2010: Primary legislation covering protection against discrimination and ensuring the agreement doesn't improperly waive discrimination rights

Age Discrimination Act 2006: Specific provisions relating to age-related terminations and age-specific considerations in severance packages

Working Time Regulations 1998: Regulations governing holiday pay calculations and treatment of accrued leave in severance situations

Employment Relations Act 1999: Legislation covering right to be accompanied at meetings and procedural requirements for employment termination

Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Legal framework for handling personal data and privacy considerations during the severance process

Taxes Management Act 1970 and Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003: Tax legislation governing the treatment of severance payments, including the £30,000 tax-free threshold for termination payments

Contracts of Employment Act 1963: Legislation governing contractual obligations and notice periods in employment relationships

Limitation Act 1980: Statute defining time limits for bringing claims and enforcement periods related to employment disputes

ACAS Code of Practice: Practical guidance on handling disciplinary and grievance situations, which should be considered in severance arrangements

Common Law Principles: Established case law and legal principles regarding contract formation, interpretation, and enforcement in employment contexts

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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