Receiving a settlement agreement (VSO) can be exciting. Your employer proposes to terminate the employment contract by mutual agreement. But what should you do?

First steps

1. Stay calm – a VSO is only a proposal.

2. Read the document carefully – review all terms.

3. Don’t feel pressured – you have a right to think it over.

4. Ask for legal advice – a lawyer can assess if the terms are fair.

Example

An employee received a VSO with only the transition fee. Through the advice of a lawyer, he also secured exemption from work and budget for training.

Checklist

• 📄 Read contract in full

• 📝 Note questions and uncertainties

• ⚖️ Have it checked by a lawyer

• ⏳ Use your 14 days cooling off period

FAQ

1. Do I have to sign right away? No, you always have time to think.
2. Will I get unemployment benefit if I sign? Only if the VSO is correctly drawn up.

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“Received a settlement agreement? Discover what first steps you need to take and how Arslan Lawyers assist you in evaluating your VSO.”

Signing a settlement agreement: what should you watch out for?

Before you sign, you need to know if the terms are in your favor.

Important points

• Severance pay: is this more than the transition fee?

• End date: does this align with your interests?

• Provisions: drop or limit competition or relationship clause.

• Neutral reason for dismissal: important for future employers and unemployment benefits.

Example

An employee signed without checks. His non-compete clause remained and hindered him in new work.

Checklist

• 💶 Check compensation

• 📅 Check end date and notice period

• 📝 Check provisions

• ⚖️ Have VSO assessed by a lawyer