TUPE transfer law governs the transfer of employees between organizations. It is a law that aims to ensure the smooth transfer of employment rights and obligations from one employer to another in an employer-to-employee transfer of employment. It has been in place since the early 1990s when the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) introduced it into UK law. The law has been updated many times over the years, and its scope has grown tremendously.

TUPE regulations are the legal framework governing the consultation rights of workers affected by the transfer of employment. TUPE regulations have been created in order to protect the interests of employees affected by the transfer of employment. However, it is worth noting that TUPE regulations are not applicable in every transfer situation. In this blog, we’ll cover what TUPE is and how you can benefit from knowing its basics and legal intricacies. We’ll also tell you about the top 10 solicitors for TUPE employment law advice.

What is TUPE?

  • TUPE is the transfer of undertakings (Protected Arrangements) regulations.
  • These regulations protect employees from being ‘trapped’ in their current job as a result of an employer’s plans to transfer its business to another private limited company.
  • Not only that but employees who are affected by a TUPE transfer are entitled to protection and consultation under the regulations.
  • If you are an employee affected by a TUPE transfer, you may have rights that need to be protected. If you are an employer who is planning a TUPE transfer, you should contact a solicitor to discuss your options.
  • The legal advice of a solicitor can help you understand the rights and responsibilities of both parties involved in a TUPE transfer.
  • It would be beneficial for employers and employees alike to engage the legal advice of a solicitor prior to a TUPE transfer so as to avoid any legal complications arising out of the process.

TUPE Employment Law

TUPE Employment Law

  • TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings) is a legal provision that allows businesses to transfer their undertakings in a way that protects employees and the business itself.
  • It can be used to avoid the cost and disruption of a ‘mass redundancy’ exercise.
  • By law, businesses must consult employees and unions before taking any action under TUPE. This consultation helps to ensure that employees are aware of the transfer and can plan for the future.
  • If an employee feels that they’ve been detrimentally affected by their employer’s actions under TUPE, they may be able to take legal action.
  • There are a number of steps an employer must take in order to avoid potential liability under TUPE, including consultation and notification to employees. Each step helps to protect employees from the unfair outcome of a transfer of undertakings.
  • In particular, employers should consult an experienced TUPE solicitor before taking any action under TUPE. This ensures that the business is fully aware of its obligations under the law and protects employees from unfair outcomes.
  • If you are involved in a dispute concerning the application or enforcement of TUPE, it is important to seek professional advice from an experienced solicitor. All businesses should have a clear understanding of their obligations under TUPE in order to avoid any potential problems down the road.

TUPE for Dummies

TUPE provides protection for employees when a business or undertaking is transferred from one owner to another. The regulations aim to ensure that employees’ terms and conditions, such as their job title, salary, and place of work, remain unchanged after the transfer. TUPE also protects employees against unfair dismissal and allows the automatic transfer of employment rights and obligations to the new employer.

TUPE Redundancy

Under UK law, the transfer of an employee from one employer to another under the TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protected Employment) regulations) must follow certain rules to ensure a fair and orderly transfer of work. In particular, an employer must provide employees with at least 12 months’ notice in writing of their intention to make a redundancy exercise.

If the employee is made redundant as a result of the transfer, the employer must provide them with at least two months’ notice and pay them their statutory redundancy pay. Suppose the employee is made redundant because the business is going through a reorganization. In that case, the employer must provide them with at least six months’ notice and pay them their statutory redundancy pay. Finally, if you are an employee who has been made redundant as a result of the transfer of your employer under TUPE, it is important to consult with a TUPE lawyer to understand your rights and options.

TUPE Regulations

  • The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (the TUPE Regulations) place a number of restrictions on the transfer of employees between companies. These regulations apply to any transfer of an employee (including a transfer within the same company) where:
  • The employee has worked for at least six months for the transferring company as defined by the TUPE Regulations; and
  • The terms and conditions of their employment would be affected by the transfer.
  • A party to a TUPE transfer must give advance notice to the other party, which must allow sufficient time for that party to consult with any unions or representative bodies that may be affected by the transfer.
  • Where an employee is transferred involuntarily, their employer may be liable for compensation, including statutory redundancy pay, earnings in lieu of notice, and other business benefits.
  • The TUPE regulations impose strict time limits on the resolution of a TUPE dispute – typically five business days from the date on which the dispute is notified to either party.
  • The TUPE regulations provide guidance on how to make a valid transfer request and list a number of situations in which a transfer will not be considered to have taken place.
  • Suppose you are considering making a TUPE transfer. In that case, it is important to contact an experienced employment law solicitor to discuss your specific situation and ensure that you comply with all relevant regulations.
  • For further information on the TUPE regulations, please visit our website or speak to one of our lawyers directly.

TUPE Transfer Checklist

TUPE Transfer Checklist

Identify the transfer: Determine if a TUPE transfer applies to your situation.

Information and consultation: Consult with employee representatives and provide them with relevant information about the transfer.

Employee liability information: Obtain information from the transferor about the transferring employees, including their terms and conditions, any collective agreements, and any potential liabilities.

Employee contracts: Review the transferring employees’ employment contracts to determine what rights and obligations will transfer under TUPE.

Employee representatives: Identify and appoint employee representatives, if required.

Due diligence: Conduct due diligence on the transferor to identify any potential liabilities.

Employee transfers: Arrange for the transfer of employees, including any necessary changes to their terms and conditions.

Employee liability: Assume liability for the transferring employees, including any liabilities arising from their terms and conditions and any claims made against them.

Notification to employees: Notify the transferring employees of the transfer and their rights under TUPE.

Post-transfer integration: Integrate the transferring employees into the transferee’s business, including any necessary changes to their terms and conditions.

When Does TUPE Not Apply?

TUPE regulations are often misunderstood and applied incorrectly. The regulations do not always apply in every situation. TUPE regulations may not apply in many circumstances, such as employees who are only intermittently employed, employees who have fewer than three months of continuous service with their previous employer, and employees who have worked for their previous employer for less than 12 months. Additionally, self-employed individuals may also be excluded from the TUPE transfer of employment regulations.

There are many situations in which TUPE may not be applicable. This can create uncertainty for affected parties and lead to legal disputes. Before taking any action, you must understand the transfer of employment regulations and their application in your specific business or workplace settings.

How Long Does TUPE Last After Transfer?

TUPE protection lasts indefinitely, meaning that the transferred employees’ terms and conditions, such as their job title, salary, and place of work, will remain unchanged after the transfer. However, changes can be made to their terms and conditions if they are objectively justified and are not solely due to the transfer itself.

TUPE Solicitors – Top 10 Lawyers for TUPE Employment Law

  • TUPE is a legal term that refers to the process of transferring employees between two or more organizations.
  • Generally, TUPE law is used in the transfer of undertakings, also known as business activities. This legal framework helps small businesses to continue their operations after a change of ownership or control.
  • If you are an employee who is affected by a TUPE transfer, your lawyer can help you with all the legal paperwork and negotiations required.
  • Top lawyers for TUPE employment lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with TUPE transfers and can provide advice on the best course of action for your situation.
  • You can find out more about TUPE solicitors and their services by visiting their websites.
  • A good solicitor will carefully analyze your legal rights and obligations in relation to a TUPE transfer, discuss your options with you, and help you make the most informed decision possible.

1. Sian Clarke – Slater and Gordon

Sian Clarke - Slater and Gordon

Sian Clarke is a legal expert in employment law, and has experience of dealing with all types of workplace changes. She can provide advice on the best way to protect your rights during a TUPE transfer, and guide you through the legal process step by step. If you are an employee who is affected by a TUPE transfer, contact Slater & Gordon for help.

 

Her team of lawyers have extensive experience of working with Transfer Unions and organizations affected by TUPE transfers.

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2. Rubel Bashir – Slater and Gordon

 

Rubel Bashir - Slater and Gordon

If you are facing a dispute with an employee over their terms and conditions of employment, Rubel Bashir is the lawyer you need to contact. He has extensive experience in advising companies on the implementation of TUPE agreements and representing employers in disputes with employees over their terms and conditions of employment.

 

Rubel Bashir will work diligently to ensure your business can carry on as usual while the dispute is resolved. He will approach the issue from all possible angles, including legal, financial role, and HR perspectives, in order to find solutions that best suit your company’s needs. The result of his work will be a fair and equitable resolution of the dispute that protects both parties’ rights and interests.

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3. Fergal Dowling – Irwin Mitchell

Fergal Dowling - Irwin Mitchell

Fergal Dowling is a leading TUPE lawyer and has extensive experience in the area. He has worked with a number of leading companies across a variety of industries and has successfully represented both stakeholders in a TUPE transfer and the entity being transferred. Irwin Mitchell is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected law firms and has a long history of providing  legal services to a diverse range of clients.

 

Both Fergal Dowling and Irwin Mitchell are dedicated to providing quality service to their clients. Whether you are involved in TUPE transfer or wish to protect your business rights, contact Fergal Dowling and Irwin Mitchell for advice.

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4. Richard Devall -IBB Law

 

Richard Devall -IBB Law

Richard Devall is a leading TUPE solicitor, and has extensive experience in the area of employment law. He has represented clients in a wide range of TUPE disputes, including terminations, reorganizations, and changes to workplace conditions. Richard is known for his expertise in collective bargaining and employee retention issues.

 

If you are facing a TUPE dispute, contact Richard Devall to get the best possible outcome. He will work diligently to ensure that your rights are protected and that the process is carried out in a fair and reasonable manner.

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5. Mark Sellek – Anderton Law

 

Mark Sellek - Anderton Law

Mark Sellek is a leading TUPE solicitor and has extensive experience in the employment law field. He has represented companies in negotiations and disputes over TUPE transfers, helping them ensure smooth transitions of employees and business operations. If you are facing a TUPE transfer, contact Mark Sellek for a free consultation. His legal team can help you navigate the complex legal issues surrounding TUPE transfers and ensure a successful transition of employees and business operations.

 

Whether you are interested in learning more about the legal issues surrounding TUPE transfer or need immediate advice, contact Mark Sellek today to schedule a consultation.

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6. Paul Maynard – Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors

 

Paul Maynard - Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors

If you are involved in a TUPE transfer and need legal advice on employment contracts, contact Gaby Hardwicke solicitors. Paul Maynard is a leading TUPE solicitor and has extensive experience in the area of employment law. He has represented companies in negotiations and disputes over TUPE transfers, helping them ensure smooth transitions of employees and business operations. If you are facing a TUPE transfer, contact Paul Maynard for a free consultation to get the best possible outcome for your business.

 

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7. Jonathon Forrester – Thursfields

 

Jonathon Forrester - Thursfields

Jonathon Forrester is a leading TUPE solicitor in the field. He has extensive experience in advising businesses on issues related to the employment-related rights known as TUPE. Whether you are seeking advice on drafting TUPE agreements or notices of intention to terminate employment, Forrester can help you ensure that your rights and obligations under TUPE are kept up-to-date.

 

He also has experience in tribunal proceedings, which can provide a thorough breakdown of your case and help you determine your legal rights and options. If you are experiencing issues with your employment, contact Forrester for help.

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8. Lisa Kemp – Thursfields

 

Lisa Kemp - Thursfields

Lisa Kemp is a specialist in TUPE employment law and has over 10 years of experience advising businesses on the implications of TUPE. She offers a free consultation if you are interested in discussing your specific situation or legal needs. 

 

If you are affected by TUPE, you will want to contact a lawyer who understands the issues and can provide legal advice and support. Lisa is one of the lawyers who can help in such a situation.

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9. Julian Taylor – Julian Taylor Solicitors

 

Julian Taylor - Julian Taylor Solicitors

Julian Taylor is a leading TUPE solicitor and has years of experience helping businesses navigate the TUPE process. The team at Julian Taylor Solicitors is experienced in handling a variety of TUPE matters, including consultation, drafting, and negotiations. If you are looking for a lawyer to help with your TUPE matter, Julian Taylor Solicitors should be your first choice. They have the knowledge and expertise to deliver quality legal services.

 

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10. Nicola Wallbank – Julian Taylor Solicitors

 

Nicola Wallbank - Julian Taylor Solicitors

Nicola Wallbank is a TUPE solicitor at Julian Taylor Solicitors and has years of experience helping businesses navigate the TUPE process. Nicola offers a free consultation if you are interested in discussing your specific situation or legal needs. She also has an extensive knowledge of tribunal law, which can provide a breakdown of your case and help you determine your legal rights and options.

 

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Conclusion

Moving employees is a part of business, but employment law regulations make it even more important. If an employer handles the transfer process correctly and follows the regulations, there’s no reason why employees should have a problem. If a business fails to follow the regulations or mishandles the transfer process, it could lead to employee grievances and legal issues. Getting advice from a solicitor will help you move smoothly through the transfer process and ensure that your business complies with the legal requirements.

FAQ – TUPE Solicitors

 

Yes, you can be sacked after TUPE. The process of terminating an employee pursuant to TUPE is known as a ‘termination notice’. A termination notice must comply with certain legal requirements, including the provision of a fair and reasonable notice period. An employee who receives a termination notice may appeal the decision to the tribunal.

 

The UK’s TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations provide protection for employees who are transferred as a result of an insolvency event. This means that the employee will be given notice of the transfer, the right to be consulted about the transfer, and the right to any benefits they have accrued during their employment.

If you are an employee who is transferred as a result of an insolvency event, it is important to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and assess the potential risks/impact of the insolvency event on your employment situation.

 

If you are an employee who is transferred as part of a business merger, acquisition, or sale, then you are protected by the UK TUPE law for a period of six months.

Once the six-month protection period is up, you have the option to either terminate your employment contract with the old company and join the new company, or you can choose to stay with the old company and negotiate a settlement agreement.

 

If you believe that the proposed transfer is not in the best interest of your company, then you can refuse to transfer under TUPE. This means that you will not be forced to transfer employees and instead the other company will have to submit a new transfer proposal.

In order to give the other company reasonable notice of your intention to refuse the transfer, you must provide at least 48 hours’ notice before the transfer is supposed to take place.

If you do not transfer and the other company files a claim with an employment tribunal, you may be required to provide evidence that you made reasonable efforts to transfer. For example, you may be required to show that you offered the employee a new position within your company or tried to find a placement for them with another company.

If you are successful in contesting the transfer, you may be entitled to damages. This could depend on the circumstances of the case, but could include lost wages, loss of career opportunities, etc.

 

The employer is responsible for paying redundancy to employees who are the subject of a TUPE transfer. The payment of redundancy is considered an economic benefit to the employee and is typically paid within two months of the TUPE transfer occurring. If the employer fails to make the redundancy payment within two months, the employee may file a claim with their relevant employment tribunal.

 

Disclaimer

The pictures used this blog are not owned by iBusiness Talk, the copyrights belongs to the respective owners only.

 

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