Settlement Agreements and 'reason for leaving'

[Arkengarthdale]

Hi all

My previous employer bullied me causing mental health issues and I submitted a grievance which was handled extremely badly. The situation ended up with a settlement agreement (yay!) which included a good reference.

There's a requirement for both sides not to slag off the other. What should I say to prospective employers when they ask for the reason I left my last job? I have been applying for many months whilst still in employment but have been unsuccessful (rural area and few jobs at my level)

Advice please on a neat and acceptable way to say why I left without breaching terms of agreement?

Many thanks

[MummyBex1985]

Did your solicitor not advise you to include an agreed reason for leaving in the agreement?

What does the reference say?

If both are silent then all you can say is termination by mutual consent but you are prevented from saying any more, although that could raise some red flags...

[Arkengarthdale]

The employment finished on ill health grounds according to the employer (I never recovered enough to return)

The reference just confirms dates of employment and says I was skilled and would be an asset and they wish me well.

I was planning to relocate which covered everything but I haven't been able to in a set timescale. So I'm back in the rural area with poor prospects

[DrownedGirl]

I think it would be sufficient on an application form just to put 'resigned' and then in an interview you could state you had intended to relocate but then changed your plans. There is no need to go into your sickness history prior to a new job offer.

[Arkengarthdale]

Thank you! That seems so simple and sensible. I'm obvs overthinking it

[maggiethemagpie]

If you know what your reference will say, then say whatever you like! Its not like they will ever know any different.