Pressure to sign a contract or NDA

Short answer

Acas says employers should give you a reasonable amount of time to read and understand an agreement and get advice, and should not pressure you into signing. For a settlement agreement, the Acas Code of Practice says you should normally get at least 10 calendar days to consider the formal written terms.

A settlement agreement is legally binding only if you take advice from a relevant independent adviser, who must be named in the agreement. No agreement can stop you making a protected disclosure, such as whistleblowing to a regulator, or reporting a crime.

Key facts

Time to consider: A minimum of 10 calendar days for settlement terms, unless both sides agree otherwise (Acas Code of Practice 4, paragraph 12).
Independent advice: Required for a valid settlement agreement. The adviser must be qualified, insured and named in the agreement.
Whistleblowing: A term in any agreement is void so far as the term tries to stop a protected disclosure (Employment Rights Act 1996, section 43J).
New job contracts: Employers must give employees and workers a written statement of the main terms on the first day of employment (GOV.UK).

Which document are you being asked to sign?

Pressure to sign usually comes in one of four situations. Each one carries different rules.

A new job offer. The offer may include restrictive covenants, a training repayment clause or a long notice period. See our guides to restrictive covenants and training repayment.
A change to your current contract. A new rota, base or pay structure. See when your employer changes your contract.
A settlement agreement. You give up the right to bring certain claims in return for a payment or other terms. See settlement agreements.
A stand-alone NDA or confidentiality agreement. Sometimes linked to a complaint, an investigation or a departure. See NDAs in healthcare.

How much time UK guidance expects

No law sets a cooling-off period for a job offer. Even so, asking for a few days to read the contract is normal and reasonable. If the offer depends on signing a bundle of policies, ask for every document the contract refers to.

For settlement agreements, the Acas Code of Practice on settlement agreements says a minimum of 10 calendar days should normally be allowed to consider the formal written terms and get independent advice. The Code also describes being accompanied by a colleague or union representative at a settlement meeting as good practice.

Acas guidance on using NDAs fairly says employers should give workers a reasonable time to read and understand the agreement and get advice, and should tell them they are free to speak to legal advisers and to medical professionals, including counsellors and therapists.

What an NDA cannot stop

Confidentiality terms have legal limits. Acas says an NDA should make clear you can still:

report a crime
make a protected disclosure, known as whistleblowing
report discrimination, including harassment and sexual harassment

Section 43J of the Employment Rights Act 1996 makes any term void so far as the term tries to stop a protected disclosure. Healthcare staff also keep their professional duty to raise concerns about patient safety, including with their regulator. Our guide to protected disclosures explains who you can tell.

The Employment Rights Act 2025 includes further limits on NDAs covering harassment and discrimination. The government plans to bring these in during 2027. They are not yet in force.

How to ask for more time

Thank the employer for the document and confirm you intend to review the terms properly.
Ask for any missing documents the agreement refers to.
Propose a specific date for your reply, for example 10 days ahead for a settlement agreement.
Name the clauses you need advice on.
Keep the request polite, short and in writing.

A message asking for time

"Thank you for sending the agreement. I want to read the terms properly and take advice before I sign. Please send the policies referred to in clauses 4 and 9. I will reply by [date]. If the deadline cannot move, please explain why in writing."

A pharmacist example

Say a pharmacist is offered a manager role and told the offer lapses unless the contract is signed by 6pm. The contract refers to a staff handbook and a bonus scheme, neither attached. The non-compete covers a 10-mile radius for 12 months. The pharmacist asks for both documents and three working days. The employer extends the deadline. The pharmacist books a call with the PDA to discuss the non-compete before signing.

Questions to ask an adviser

What am I giving up by signing this agreement?
Is the payment fair for the claims I am waiving?
Does the confidentiality clause try to stop anything the law protects?
Are the restrictive covenants likely to be enforceable?
Will my employer contribute to the cost of advice?

Where to get advice

Acas helpline: call 0300 123 1100. See our Acas guide.
Your union or professional body: the PDA, the BMA and the RCN review contracts and settlement terms for members.
Citizens Advice: general help with job offers and workplace disputes. See Citizens Advice for work problems.
An employment solicitor: required for a settlement agreement. Many employers contribute to the solicitor's fee.
Protect: free whistleblowing advice if the agreement touches on patient safety concerns. See our Protect guide.

Feeling rushed can make any decision harder. Our guide to stress while dealing with an NDA lists support, and urgent support is there if you feel unsafe.

Common questions

How long should I get to consider a settlement agreement?

The Acas Code of Practice says a minimum of 10 calendar days should normally be allowed, unless both sides agree a different period.

Can an NDA stop me whistleblowing?

No. Any term trying to stop a protected disclosure is void under section 43J of the Employment Rights Act 1996. Acas also says an NDA should not stop you reporting a crime or discrimination.

Do I need a solicitor to sign a settlement agreement?

Yes, or another relevant independent adviser such as a qualified union official. The agreement is not binding on your statutory claims without this advice.

Can a job offer be withdrawn if I ask for more time?

An employer can withdraw an offer before you accept. Asking for a few days to read the contract is a normal request, and most employers agree.