Constructive dismissal - what do I put on new applications?

Dubnat

I am currently on maternity leave and found out about 4 months into it that my employer was endeavouring to terminate my employment before the leave was due to end. I sought advice from my trade union and have resigned citing unfair dismissal, and have since lodged a claim to industrial tribunal. I need to find a new job asap as, like most people, I have bills to pay and mouths to feed and unfortunately I am not entitled to universal credit. My solicitor is negotiating a settlement agreement with the former employer and I have been advised that part of this will be a non disclosure agreement, meaning I can never speak of or disclose why I left the organisation.
My question is - on applications to new jobs they as for a "reason for leaving", what am I supposed to put that doesn't make it look like I was sacked but that sounds like a reasonable excuse for leaving a company 4 months into maternity leave?
I have asked the solicitors to put that I want a written reference from the employer and same to be kept on file.

Thank you for your wise words.

Dubnat

Ps. I was employed there for over 5 years so it's a big gap to try to fill.

Comms69

Are your former employers engaging in this? Because resigning without following through an internal process is usually a bad sign for CD cases

Dubnat

Yes they are engaging. There was an internal grievance procedure but they refused to acknowledge the information I have that they were seeking advice about terminating my employment before I was due to come back to my position.

Masomnia

Just say you resigned (which is true) and then something vague about wanting a fresh start with the new kid, new challenge etc.

nicechap

Presumably you still have maternity leave & pay to use up?

As part of the settlement agreement you should get your employer to agree a good or neutral reference (i.e. actually agree the words not just the sentiment). Its more valuable than a couple of grand extra payment.

Reason for leaving can then be anything you both agree, Maternity, End of Contract, Redundancy, Study, Resigned to look for new opportunities.

Until the settlement agreement & reference is agreed, I would be tempted to say something like End of Contract.

Dubnat

Mat leave and SMP end next week, and either settlement or tribunal are still a way away.

Thanks for advice. Yes, solicitors said to agree the wording of the reference. At the end of the day it's in their interest to help me find new employment as it mitigates my losses and means they pay out less.

jobbingmusician

Just to make sure you understand a settlement agreement. The employer will (normally) give you a sum of money and an agreed reference in return for you agreeing not to take any action against them. You have to have access to independent legal advice before signing, and the employer will normally pay (something towards?) this as well. So it's not particularly in their interest to ensure you get a new job - their payment will be the same whether you are out of work for 2 days or 2 decades. However, at the point of agreeing the amount, the package is obviously worth more to you with a good/neutral reference + £x than it is with a poor reference + £x + £2000. (A convoluted way of saying that a good or neutral reference is worth more than £2000. Only YOU can decide how many thousands of £££ a decent reference is actually worth. Bear in mind that many organisations give only a neutral reference nowadays, so don't panic if you end up with one of these.)