TUPE changes

Labour has unexpectedly tabled an Early Day Motion calling for the Collective Redundancies and Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 to be scrapped.

This welcome move shows that unions can expect these regulations to be repealed early in a new parliament if Labour wins the next election. The new regulations make it much easier for employers to downgrade pay and conditions after a transfer.

Commenting on the news, Sampson Low, head of policy at the UNISON public services union, said: “If Labour commits to a reversal then it will provide practical and real help to local union reps negotiating new employment contracts on behalf of their colleagues. It is welcome that Ed Miliband and the shadow cabinet have signed up.”

www.parliament.uk/edm/2013-14/1130