Workplace Report November 2000

Features: Law at work

Compromise agreements

Compromise agreements bar individuals from presenting further claims to employment tribunals on the same issue. In effect by signing a compromise agreement, after receiving appropriate independent advice, employees waive the right to pursue a tribunal claim. However, in the absence of the individual member expressly giving a union official the right to draw up an agreement on their behalf, the official cannot be presumed to be acting on the member's behalf. An individual who has not given authority will not be bound by any compromise agreement reached between the employer and union. (Gloystarne v Martin [1008/00])