Written question asked by Helen Jones (Labour) on Monday, 26 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 March 2001. It was answered by Stephen Byers (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 March 2001 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will take steps to reduce disparities between staff in contracted-out public services who are transferred on TUPE terms and other employees of the contractor.

Answer: Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to reduce disparities between staff in contracted-out public services who are transferred on TUPE terms and other employees of the contractor. [156083] Mr. Byers: The TUPE Regulations are designed to preserve the continuity of employment and protect the rights of those affected by business transfers. All employees have already benefited from the framework of basic minimum standards introduced by this Government. We are nevertheless examining whether unfair disparities between different groups of workers doing the same work for the same employer may arise where one group retains rights as a result of a TUPE transfer following contracting-out and others are then employed under different terms and conditions of employment. This will be considered in parallel with our wide-ranging review of the TUPE Regulations, on which we intend to consult in the summer.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 156083; 365 c583-4W;365 c585-6W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Conditions of employment Contracts for services Employment Protection Public sector
Legislation: Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk