Introduction (591 words)

In 1981, the then Conservative government reluctantly introduced legislation to implement the European Acquired Rights Directive which aimed to protect employees whose employment transferred ...

1. The law at a glance (950 words)

The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employees) Regulations 1981, known as “TUPE”, were reluctantly introduced by the Conservative government under prime minister Margaret Thatcher ...

2. When does TUPE apply? (5040 words)

TUPE rights do not apply to every change of employer. If a bakery is put up for sale and a new owner buys it ...

3. Consultation and collective rights (2808 words)

Workplace representatives have the right to be informed about a transfer before it takes place. They are also entitled to be consulted if the ...

4. The effect on terms and conditions (2509 words)

The purpose of the TUPE regulations is to protect employees’ terms and conditions when their employment is transferred to a new employer. The effect ...

5. Unfair dismissal rights (1562 words)

If an employee is dismissed because of a TUPE transfer or a reason connected with it their dismissal will be regarded as automatically unfair ...