Transitional Services Agreement Tupe
When businesses undergo a change in ownership or transfer of assets, it is important to consider the impact on the employees. The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) were introduced to protect the employment rights of employees when a business or part of it is transferred to a new owner.
One way of mitigating the effects of a transfer on employees is by setting up a Transitional Services Agreement (TSA) as part of the transfer process. A TSA is a agreement between the old and new employer which outlines the terms and conditions under which the old employer will continue to provide certain services or support to the new employer for a specified period of time.
The TSA is designed to ensure that the transfer of the business or assets is smooth and seamless, with minimal disruption to the operations. It also provides some level of job security and continuity for employees whose jobs may be affected by the transfer. The TSA can cover a range of services, for example, IT support, HR services, customer support, or facilities management.
There are several benefits of having a TSA in place, both for the old and new employer, as well as for the employees. Firstly, it can help to maintain continuity of services and prevent any disruption to the business. Secondly, it can provide a level of reassurance to the employees that their jobs are secure, and that they will continue to receive the same level of support from the old employer during the transition period.
The TSA also helps to ensure that the new employer has all the necessary information and support to take over the operations smoothly. This includes access to systems and data, as well as training and support from the old employer during the transition period.
However, it is important to note that the TSA is not a substitute for the TUPE regulations, which set out the minimum requirements for protecting employee rights during a transfer of business. The TSA must comply with the TUPE regulations and cannot be used to undermine any rights or entitlements afforded to employees under TUPE.
In summary, a TSA can be a useful tool for businesses undergoing a transfer of assets or ownership. It can help to ensure continuity of services and provide some level of reassurance to employees affected by the transfer. However, it is important to ensure that the TSA complies with the TUPE regulations and does not undermine any employee rights.