Many release/settlement agreements include a provision which prohibits you from discussing the terms of a special severance package with anyone. Such provisions are common. In most cases you will be prohibited from discussing the terms of your special severance arrangements with your family (spouses excepted), friends and co-workers. In exchange, the confidentiality agreement should also require the employer to keep confidential the terms of the agreement and the circumstances of your discharge. Confidentiality requirements in settlement agreements are not the same as the duty of an employee not to disclose his ex-employer's trade secrets and other confidential information. You have a duty under the law to keep and protect your ex-employer's trade secrets and not to use them for your own benefit.