Negotiating settlement agreement (VSO)
Your employer wants to terminate your employment with a settlement agreement (VSO). This often raises uncertainty, tension and many questions: is the proposal fair, what are my rights, and can I change it? In many cases, the employer's initial proposal is far from optimal. Fortunately, the content of a VSO is almost always negotiable. We check your VSO free of charge, provide detailed advice on possible next steps and can conduct negotiations with your employer on your behalf. Request a free check or contact us for more information.
- 100% free VSO control
- 95% chance of better dismissal scheme
- Free advice within 30 minutes
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- Why is negotiating at a VSO so important?
- Request a free VSO check and find out if you can negotiate
- Can you get more out of your VSO? Then we will be happy to negotiate for you
- Make use of these 6 tips if you are going to negotiate your VSO yourself
- What else can we help you with?
- The face behind Transitievergoedingberekenen.nl
- Frequently asked questions on negotiating a settlement agreement
Why is negotiating at a VSO so important?
An initial proposal from the employer may sometimes seem reasonable, but it is rarely the maximum achievable. This is precisely why it is important to negotiate your settlement agreement. Good negotiations can significantly improve your terms. Consider:
- a higher severance pay than the legal transition allowance;
- preserving your right to a WW benefit;
- Payment of outstanding holidays and bonuses;
- exemption from work with pay;
- A positive certificate for your next application;
- reimbursement of legal costs by the employer.
So get proper advice before agreeing. A VSO is a one-off opportunity for the best possible settlement.
Request a free VSO check and find out if you can negotiate
Do you doubt whether your employer's offer is fair? With a free VSO check you will know within 30 minutes whether your agreement is legally sound and whether there is room to negotiate better terms.
Is a VSO check really free?
Yes. The first check of your settlement agreement and the consultation are always completely free of charge and without obligation. Does this check show that there is room for better terms? Then we can conduct the negotiations on your behalf. In 98% of cases, this too costs you nothing, as employers often include a budget for legal costs.
Can you get more out of your VSO? Then we will be happy to negotiate for you
Does our free VSO check show that your settlement agreement could be better? If so, we are ready to negotiate with your employer on your behalf. In 98% of cases, this legal help is free of charge for you, as the employer has often included a budget for legal support. If not? Then we will include these costs in the negotiation, so it will still cost you nothing. We ensure fair severance pay, strong conditions and proper handling.
Jan Onderhandel's success story and his VSO negotiations
In many cases, it pays to negotiate your settlement agreement, sometimes even more than you think beforehand. A good example is the success story of 'Jan Negotiate' (fictitious name), who, thanks to legal support, not only got a higher severance payment, but also three extra monthly salaries as well as reimbursement of all legal costs. Wondering how his negotiation went?
Make use of these 6 tips if you are going to negotiate your VSO yourself
Are you considering negotiating your settlement agreement yourself? You can, but good preparation is crucial. The tips below will increase your chances of a better dismissal settlement:
- Keep your composure and patience: When you start VSO negotiations, it is essential not to immediately make a counter-proposal. This may give the impression that you are in a hurry, which may encourage the employer to keep the compensation low. Let the employer wait some time; if he contacts you himself, this shows his interest in ending the employment relationship.
- Don't be pressured: during VSO negotiation, do not give in to pressure to sign a deal quickly. Aim for an agreement that the employer reluctantly accepts, indicating that it is a fair deal.
- Be realistic in your counter-proposal: too high a counterproposal can scare off the employer and harm negotiations. A reasonable proposal increases the chances of a more favourable outcome in VSO negotiations.
- Know the risks and consequences: Be aware of what happens if an agreement is not reached. This includes not only potential legal costs, but also the emotional burden of possibly remaining employed.
- Remain steadfast about your desire to remain employed: during VSO negotiations, it is important to make it clear that you are keen to maintain your position. This can be strategically advantageous in negotiations.
- Dare to walk away from negotiation: if the terms are not favourable, show that you are willing to remain employed. This can lead to a better arrangement as it shows the employer that you have other options.
What else can we help you with?
Have draft DSO drawn up
Do you want to initiate a settlement agreement? We will draft a legally sound concept on which you will go into the conversation with your employer strong and well prepared.
The face behind Transitievergoedingberekenen.nl
My name is Robin Sieverdink, employment lawyer and founder of Transition fee calculator.co.uk. While studying law, I discovered how often employees are unfairly pressured into dismissal and do not know or dare to use their rights. That touched me. Since then, I help people in such a situation every day with honest and personal legal advice. I listen to your story, think along with you and provide solutions that are right, legally and humanly. Thanks to more than 15 years of experience, I know exactly what is possible. In 95% of cases, we achieve a better dismissal settlement. And often at no cost, because employers usually have a budget for legal help.
Why engage my expertise?
- I take the time to really listen to your story and am fully committed to your interests.
- In 95% of the cases, I significantly improve the dismissal scheme compared to the employer's first proposal.
- During a free consultation, I will give you a transparent and honest assessment of your options.
- You are constantly kept informed of every step of the way, so you know where you stand.
- I carefully guard your rights, such as your right to unemployment benefits or payment of outstanding holidays.
- My legal help is expert, personal and with no financial surprises afterwards.
Frequently asked questions on negotiating a settlement agreement
You can negotiate several parts of your VSO, including the amount of severance pay, the notice period, work release, payment of holidays, a positive certificate, the non-competition clause and even reimbursement of legal fees. Our lawyers will help you with this.
If you do not agree, your employment contract will basically continue as before. You do not have to sign anything you do not agree with. In the meantime, we advise you to have your position legally assessed so that you are well prepared to go into the conversation with your employer.
Yes, please do. In 98% of cases, it costs you nothing, as the costs are usually reimbursed by the employer or included in the negotiation. We arrange everything for you.
This also occurs. Nevertheless, we often succeed in persuading employers to reach a better settlement after all. We know exactly how to express your interests forcefully. And if there really is no movement, we advise you on alternative legal steps.
Yes, but only if you are still within the statutory 14-day cooling-off period. You must then first let your employer know in writing that you are withdrawing the signed VSO. Only then can we see together whether it is possible to renegotiate better terms. So contact us soon if you are in doubt.
It depends on your situation, years of service, income and the employer's position. In practice, we see that a severance payment after negotiation often ends up 1.5 to 2 times higher than the initial proposal. Let us check your VSO to assess your chances.