TUPE? Great!

[lukemg]

Dept I was in got outsourced, mostly contractors, had to switch agency but everything carried on the same at first. They didn't want to mess the deal up by clearing out all the people who were keeping it all working, lot's of assurances that things would carry on the same (we knew better)
As people left, they were replaced with 20 yr olds with very little knowledge (cheap though !). Fair enough, we trained 'em up. After about 6 months, they culled half the contract staff and put them on notice.
It was fair enough, not a surprise, as contractors you are there as long as it fits in wth what the company want, if that changes, you could be gone.
The rates were high for the market so I just stayed till pushed. If there had been better contracts around I would have jumped.
It's business, not personal, there was no way they could make money with the contract costs in place.
No matter what they say, you should not be surprised by the axe.

[ASB]

In very particular circumstances you might have some protection. Look at Muscat v Cable and Wireless and see how close it is to your circumstances.

Personally however I think if you try and argue you are protected by TUPE you are doing yourself a great disservice (you'll also be cast iron IR35'ed).

Provided you receive notice for the current supplier in accordance with the terms then that is all you can reasonably expect. However, it might be worth checking your contract. It is not entirely unknown for it to hgave Client co or sucessors in it.

[brentmeister]

If the contract is being outsourced/privatised then this will be an opportunity for you to see your true value to the organisation. If you are ditched then you are excess baggage. If they keep you then you are truly a valuable part of the business. Either way you will know where you stand.

[hattra]

Guys,

Does anyone know how contractors are affected by TUPE? I went through one as a permie in my last job and the same thing is happening here only now I'm a contractor! Is it me or something?! ;-)

Anyone?

P

Is your client a certain financial services company on the south coast, by any chance?