TUPE query

Lyncroft

Hello

I'm currently in a departmental pool in the Civil Service. I've been told I'm a specialist and can only apply for certain jobs within that specialism. A job has come up but will be TUPEd in 18 months time which I'm not happy about. My union has said I can't be forced to apply for a job that will be TUPEd, the department is saying I have to apply as it's a job within my specialism.

Not sure which way to go on this. Anybody have any previous experience?

Thanks very much.

Andy_L

What's your desired end-state? A job or a redundancy payout?

My understanding, admitially from ~5 years ago, is that you have to apply, but if you can't fail an internal job interview what sort of specialist are you :-)

caeler

If the role is deemed to be a suitable alternative then you could be forced, ie. you'll loose your right to redundancy compensation. TUPE in 18 months or not. Unless your employer has a policy about that specifically I think your Union is wrong, although they may agree with your concerns. Looking on the positive side, outsourcing can be scary but even if you TUPE to the private sector (assuming as your civil service now it would be external) then your terms will be protected and it could be a good experience?

Civil Service and other governmental departments do have complicated policy about ringfencing applications in particular ways (ie. allowing certain people to apply, etc) why not ask the question so you get a bit more information.

Lyncroft

Hi - thanks for the replies. Part of the problem is that HR doesn't seemed to be joined up. The person in charge of the pool told me I have to apply as that's the job I'm qualified to do though she did mention she appreciated my position. Someone else in HR told me that the job will be TUPEd and that it was something I should consider if I went for the job implying I had a choice.In hindsight I should have gone back to her and asked did I have to apply.

I take your point about the union. Not totally convinced myself.

The closing date was today. Nobody has applied. The person from the pool wasn't in today - she'll be onto me straight away! I'll think about it over the weekend. As you say it might not be such a bad thing as the CS is only going to get more stretched from what I can see.

Thanks again.

hcb42

TUPE was best thing that ever happened to me!

caeler

^^^ Nice when it is a positive experience!