You may decide to accept the offer because you are happy to leave your role. Disciplinary procedures can be very stressful, which often isn’t worth it if your heart isn’t in the job anymore. Accepting the settlement means you also avoid drawn out stressful internal processes, and the uncertainty during the process. It also offers the chance to have some control over references and how your departure is announced – which is unlikely if you are dismissed. 

 

Accepting the settlement may be better for your wellbeing, while also providing a sum to tide you over while you find a new role. 

 

You might also be better to accept the offer if you do not have a strong claim, as your negotiating power is low. If your employer does later find grounds to dismiss you, they are unlikely to make any more offers. 

 

Sometimes employees feel they will be dismissed if they don’t take the settlement. This is not necessarily the case. In fact, if an employer has already made its mind up before investigating and following the correct procedures, any dismissal is likely to be procedurally unfair. But dismissal is a possibility. For many people, the possible impact on their career is too much of a risk. 

 

But some people choose to complete internal investigations and processes because they love their job, or as a point of principle to clear their name. 

 

 

As we said, these settlements are usually a business decision to avoid lengthy processes and legal claims. Your employer may be open to negotiation to avoid this risk. It is vital to understand the strength of any claims you have, along with the potential cost and damages. If you have a strong claim for unfair dismissal, your employer is likely to be open to negotiation to avoid legal action.