Deeds of release
It is increasingly common for an employee to be asked to sign a deed of release or separation agreement at the end of their employment. This is especially so if the employment ended in contentious circumstances.
Often, very little time is given to sign such an agreement; however, it is important to take your time and understand what you are signing.
What is a deed of release?
A deed of release or separation agreement is a legal document that seeks to resolve all matters or contentious matters between an employer and employee, often in exchange for a payout.
Signing away legal rights is something that should only be done on legal advice. It is also important to make sure the deed explicitly carves out exclusions for unresolved matters or legal rights that should not be signed away.
How can we help?
If an employer has presented you with a deed, we can:
- Review the proposed deed
- Suggest changes and exclusions to be made
- Include other terms in the deed
- Advise on whether the offer is good or fair
- Negotiate directly with the employer on your behalf.
If you have been offered a deed of release or separation agreement, or you are otherwise negotiating the end of your employment we strongly recommend seeking legal advice.