Why should I make an offer to my employer to settle my case?

The purpose of making the offer is to speed up the claim and reduce your legal costs. The jargon for this procedure is 'making a Part 36 offer'. Your solicitor should ask for your confirmation that you agree to it being made.

• The offer remains open for 21 days from the date your opponent receives it.
• If your opponent refuses the offer, and you press on to trial, the court's award may be better than the offer you made to your employer. If so, your employer will have to pay a higher rate of interest on your damages, and extra legal costs.
• Your employer may also make a Part 36 offer, backed up with a payment into court, which puts you in the position of deciding whether to take a gamble on beating their offer.
• Remember that the compensation is for you. You are entitled to know what deductions, if any, will be made from your compensation.