Settlement Agreement Case Study: Long term sickness absence

We recently advised and supported a multi academy trust on the early resolution of a complex case relating to a Headteacher’s long-term sickness absence. At the same time there were performance issues and a requirement to restructure the SLT team as part of the trust’s school improvement plan. With our support, the trust was able to negotiate a resolution under a settlement agreement which removed all risk of a future claim and saved the trust the time and cost of following internal HR processes.  The outcome was mutually agreeable and allowed the trust to take forward its school improvement plans for the benefit of the pupils without having the distraction of dealing with HR matters and/or an employment tribunal claim.