Ever wake up in the morning and think “I want to quit my job”?
If you want to leave your job because you’ve found a new one or want to do something else, you don’t need to get an employment lawyer involved. You can simply resign and move on.
If you feel forced to resign because of the way you’ve been treated at work, that’s another matter.
As employment lawyers who specialise in helping employees who’ve been mistreated, we could help you negotiate with your employer and maybe win you compensation in return for leaving.
“You have been great. I will recommend you highly to other people.”
Sinead H
Make a FREE enquiry today: Call 0808 168 7288 or fill in the form
Jargonbuster
Settlement agreement: That’s a legally binding document which you and your employer both sign once you’ve agreed who’s going to do what. For example, how much your employer will pay you in return for you committing not to take further action against them. It’s a serious document, so you have to take independent legal advice before you sign it (that’s where we come in).
Compromise agreement: That’s the name used for a settlement agreement in Northern Ireland (Belfast is where our largest office is based and we have many clients in NI. We also have offices in London, Leeds and Newcastle to serve clients throughout the UK.)
Legally binding: That means both parties should comply with the terms of the agreement. If they don’t, they are breaking the law and could face legal consequences.
Non-disclosure agreement (NDA): Your employer might ask you to sign an NDA which means you promise not to tell anyone about how much you receive or even that there was an agreement at all.
Restrictive covenant: Your employer might ask you to agree not to work for a competitor for a defined period of time, or add other restrictions. These can be used as negotiation tools.
“Thank you for all your help, patience and understanding. It is not an easy thing to go through, but your help and kind attitude definitely made it easier.”
Alison W
Make a FREE enquiry today: Call 0808 168 7288 or fill in the form
Why might you feel forced to leave your job?
So you think “I want to quit my job”. Do any of these examples apply to you?
- You’re experiencing stress or your mental health is suffering due to someone’s behaviour at work
- Your physical health is suffering or at risk because of a workplace health and safety situation
- Your employer isn’t keeping to their side of your employment contract, for example, they pay you late or less than you’re due
- You’re being bullied, harassed or discriminated against at work
- You’re being paid less than someone of the opposite sex for doing work of equal value
- You’ve been demoted for no reason
If yes, you have a legal right to be compensated when you feel forced to leave your job due to the behaviour of your employer or someone who works there.
We can help you negotiate an exit package.
“Well informed staff who put my mind at ease over queries I had on how to handle the situation, so I did not to create scenarios in my mind and unnecessary worry about next steps. I was kept up to date with everything ”
Julia C
Make a FREE enquiry today: Call 0808 168 7288 or fill in the form
I Want To Quit My Job.
Free Advice – Don’t resign!
The main thing is not to resign until you’ve talked to us first. It’s a lot easier to negotiate when you are still employed.
Note that there are strict time limits on employment tribunal claims, so it’s important to act quickly. Also, if you wait too long before making your initial complaint, the court may decide you accepted the mistreatment.
If you have already resigned, it’s still worth having a conversation with us, just in case you could make a claim for constructive dismissal. The challenge is that these cases are harder to win.
If you’ve recently been sacked, you may be able to make a claim for unfair dismissal.
“I found the service fantastic, communication and advice was spot on.”
Nick B
Make a FREE enquiry today: Call 0808 168 7288 or fill in the form
I Want To Quit My Job. What Can You Do For Me?
Negotiating on your behalf
When negotiating the amount of compensation you’ll get, are you worried that discussions could be just you against your employer and their team of (potentially aggressive) lawyers?
Getting our expert help can support you to negotiate the best deal. For example, as well as financial recompense to make up for you leaving, we could ensure you get a good reference from your current employer to help you land a new job in future.
As we’re professionals who are not directly involved, we can keep emotion out of it and aim for a win:win scenario.
And finally, as specialist employment lawyers, this is our area of expertise. We know the process and we’ve handled many successful negotiations before.
You can let us deal with negotiations for you, or support you through negotiating by yourself – it’s your choice.
“Wonderful service. So helpful and patient at every stage, taking time to explain every detail in laymans terms.”
Rose L
Practical tips
Once you decide “I want to quit my job”, this is the usual process to show how the steps can escalate:
- Have an informal conversation with your boss or HR department
- Follow your company’s grievance procedure (you’ll find it in your staff handbook)
- Ask us to send your employer a fixed-fee letter
- Ask us to help you make a claim in the employment tribunal
Decide what you ideally want to achieve. Perhaps you’d prefer to keep your job but work different hours or move to another department?
Remember, you don’t have to accept your employer’s first offer, you can use your right of appeal, and you don’t have to abide by their deadlines. On the other hand, don’t let them stretch negotiations beyond the strict three-month time limit for the Tribunal.
Whatever happens, here’s some best practice advice:
- Keep written notes of who said what and when
- Collect any relevant medical records
- Make a list of your financial commitments such as rent or mortgage and other debts
- Be ready to explain your family situation e.g. single parent
- Note what you’ve done for your employer, such as the hours you’ve worked and any special achievements you’ve been part of
- Consider the local job market. How easy or hard will it be for you to find another job?
Always stick to the facts as this helps build a stronger case.
“It’s been a difficult situation from my perspective and you’ve been very clear with your communication, very proactive during the negotiations and both considerate and understanding when needed. A refreshing change and very much appreciated.”
Mike J
Make a FREE enquiry today: Call 0808 168 7288 or fill in the form
What payout will you get?
Your exit package might include:
- Compensation to cover the time it will take you to get another job
- Any loss of earnings, pension and other benefits
- A good reference
- Your agreement to stay on for a while so there’s a smooth handover to your successor
- Your promise to keep the deal secret
- Your commitment not to work with competitors, staff, clients or suppliers of your current company for a period of time
Talk to us and we’ll tell you your chances of success and how much you might receive as an exit package.
“10/10. Everything was handled perfectly. Would definitely recommend.”
Olivia M
What will it cost?
There’s no need to worry about scary legal costs that might spin out of control.
- The first step is often a fixed-fee letter
- In most cases, your employer will cover our costs
- We sometimes provide a no-win, no-fee arrangement
Scroll down and follow the ‘funding options’ link to explore the various ways you can choose to pay.
Case studies
Employee in similar situations have also thought “I want to quit my job” and come to us. If a few recent cases, we have managed to:
- Negotiate a settlement of £15,000 for a client whose employer repeatedly ignored bullying allegations
- Acheive a payout of £10,000 for a client whose manager shouted at her in public without reason
- Secure a £6,000 payment and an agreed reference for an employee whose remote working arrangements were removed without valid reason
Further reading
If you found this information useful, you might enjoy our other articles on the topic:
What next?
For a FREE assessment of your case, call 0808 168 7288 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
We have already helped thousands of people to win millions of pounds in compensation.
You have a choice of ways to pay, including ‘no win, no fee’.