When a contract changes hands or a business is sold in Woolston, whether that’s a facilities contract by the Itchen, a café on Manor Road, or a marine services provider near the slipway, TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) can apply. Getting TUPE right protects staff, reduces legal risk, and keeps operations smooth.
What TUPE Really Means (In Plain English)
TUPE preserves employee terms, continuity of service, and rights when a business or service transfers to a new employer. If your Woolston business is taking over a contract (insource or outsource) or selling a unit, you’ll need a clear plan.
Your TUPE Checklist
1) Identify Who Transfers
Map in-scope employees tied to the transferring activity. Be precise about casuals, zero-hours, agency and fixed-term staff.
2) Due Diligence (Early!)
Request/prepare Employee Liability Information (ELI): contracts, pay, benefits, holiday, grievances, disciplinaries, and pending claims; at least 28 days pre-transfer.
3) Inform & Consult
Consult with staff or elected reps about why the transfer is happening, when, and what changes (if any) are envisaged. Keep minutes; share FAQs.
4) Honour Terms & Policies
Transferred staff keep their pay, holiday, benefits and service. Avoid unilateral changes unless there is a valid economic, technical or organisational (ETO) reason and a fair process.
5) Integration & Onboarding
Day-one orientation, payroll readiness, IT access, line-manager introductions and Weston-Woolston travel logistics if sites change. Run a pulse survey at week 4.
Pitfalls Woolston Employers Should Avoid
- Late ELI → payroll errors and mistrust
- Rushed “harmonisation” → unlawful contract changes
- Thin consultation → increases tribunal risk
- No integration plan → absenteeism and early exits
Local Advantage
Woolston’s labour market blends hospitality, marine and light industrial skills. Respecting TUPE builds your employer brand in a tight community and smooths recruitment later.
Need TUPE support in Woolston?
HR Support Services manages end-to-end TUPE, ELI packs, consultation, letters, onboarding and manager training; so you transfer people fairly and legally.
