Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers about the TUPE process that you may find useful:
TUPE Transfer
What is a TUPE transfer?
A TUPE transfer happens when an organisation, or part of it, transfers from one employer to
another or where a service (such as engineering) is transferred to a new provider. If you are identified as being ‘in scope’, this means your employment will transfer to ISS on the agreed transfer date.
What are the legal obligations of ISS and my current employer?
Both employers must consult with affected employees about the transfer. ISS will engage with any recognised Trade Union and/or elected Employee Representatives throughout the consultation period.
What does “measures” mean in a TUPE transfer?
“Measures” refers to any planned changes linked to the transfer—other than the transfer itself. Examples include changes to holiday year, reporting lines, or pay dates. Any proposed measures will be communicated via your current employer and discussed through consultation with Employee Representatives and any recognised Trade Union.
What is “Employee Liability Information (ELI)”?
Your current employer must provide ISS with details of your ELI - contractual terms such as pay, holiday entitlement, sickness provisions and other employment conditions so we can ensure a smooth transfer.
Will my terms and conditions (such as pay, hours and holiday entitlement) stay the same? For how long?
TUPE protects your existing terms and conditions at the point of transfer, and these will continue with ISS unless changes are agreed through consultation. There is no fixed time limit for this protection. Contractual terms include pay, holiday entitlement, job title, sick pay, and continuity of service. Some rules apply differently to pensions, but ISS aims to offer a comparable pension arrangement.
What if I do not want to transfer to ISS? Do I have a choice?
If you are in scope for transfer but choose not to move to ISS, this will be treated as a resignation. Your current role will not continue after the transfer date.
Pay, Pension & Benefits
How often will I be paid, and will my pay date change?
ISS will confirm your pay frequency and pay dates once we receive the official employment information from your current employer. Any changes will be included as part of the proposed measures and discussed during consultation with the relevant Trade Union or elected Employee Reps.
I am in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) – will this continue?
Yes. ISS will liaise with the relevant authority to ensure continuation.
What happens to employees currently in a Defined Contribution (DC) pension plan?
If you are in your current employer’s DC pension plan, you will join the ISS DC plan (SMART Pension Scheme) from your transfer date. Your existing employee and employer contribution levels will remain the same. Your current pension pot will be deferred until retirement or until you choose to transfer it elsewhere.
If I pay Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs), will these continue?
Yes, your AVCs will continue with the ISS pension plan.
Can I opt out of the ISS pension scheme?
Employees transferring on NCG sites will be automatically enrolled and can choose to opt out only after enrolment, in line with auto‑enrolment legislation.
What will happen to my Life Assurance?
If you are eligible for Life Assurance, you will be enrolled into the ISS scheme. Your current level of cover will be maintained.
Annual Leave
Will my annual leave year change?
ISS will confirm the annual leave year once we receive the official employment information from your current employer. Any changes will be included as part of the proposed measures and discussed during consultation with the relevant Trade Union or elected Employee Reps.
How do I book annual leave?
We will provide joining instructions for how to book annual leave once you have joined ISS.
Can I continue to book leave with my current employer before the transfer?
Yes. You should continue using your existing holiday booking process until the transfer takes place, subject to manager approval.
Will our remaining holiday entitlement transfer?
Yes. Your contractual entitlement and any accrued but unused leave will transfer.
Can I carry over my remaining leave to the new holiday year?
You are responsible for ensuring your Annual Leave is used within the holiday year. Carry‑over will follow the rules stated in your contract unless changes are agreed through consultation.
How much notice do we need to give to book Annual Leave?
We recommend providing at least 28 days’ notice for holiday requests.
Can I book longer than 10 days for family events, special occasions and similar?
Yes, subject to giving as much notice as possible and ensuring your duties can be covered. Please do not make bookings before receiving approval.
Can I book time off over Christmas?
Christmas leave is normally allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, but we make sure arrangements are fair so that the same individuals are not disadvantaged each year.
Operational Processes
I currently use a laptop/phone. Will ISS provide equipment?
Equipment will be provided only to employees who require it for their role. Shared desktop systems may also be used on site.
What uniform will we receive?
If your role includes wearing a uniform, ISS will work with the client to confirm the uniform design and requirements. Details will be shared as soon as possible.
Will I receive an ISS email address?
Only employees who require system access for their role will be issued an ISS email account.
When will ISS paperwork and equipment be delivered to site?
All required equipment will be ordered and ready before the contract start date.
Training & Compliance
How will training be delivered after the transfer?
All mandatory training will be completed through the ISS Learning Management System (LMS). You will be notified automatically once your details are set up in our payroll system.
General
What if I’m not working on the first day of the transfer?
If you are not scheduled to work, you do not need to attend. You will start as normal on your next working day. Your employment transfers automatically on the go‑live date. If you are scheduled to work but cannot attend, you must follow normal absence reporting procedures.
What happens next?
In the coming months, ISS will work with elected Employee Representatives and/or recognised Trade Unions as part of collective consultation. We will also meet each employee individually (a 1‑to‑1 meeting) to confirm personal and contractual information ahead of the transfer.
Who do I tell about ‘reasonable adjustments’ that requires me to do my job effectively?
Please let us know during your 121 individual meeting if you require any specific help or support to carry out your role.
Will I be able to work from home?
Home‑working arrangements will be reviewed case‑by‑case depending on role requirements.
Additional Questions from Transferring Colleagues
Will we receive the staff salary bonus in the Summer?
ISS is still working to understand any non-contractual entitlements and will be requesting further information from your current employer. We will communicate any elements that cannot be replicated as soon as this information is available.
At Christmas we have been receiving extra days off. Will we lose these?
ISS is still working to understand any non-contractual entitlements and will be requesting further information from your current employer. We will communicate any elements that cannot be replicated as soon as this information is available.
Will we receive a new contract from ISS?
Your contractual terms and conditions are protected under TUPE, so you will not receive a new contract of employment. However, each transferring employee will receive a TUPE Statement confirming the contractual terms and conditions that have transferred to ISS.
Are our job descriptions being reviewed?
As with any business, operational reviews of roles and ways of working may take place as technology develops and customer requirements evolve. If any proposed changes are identified, these will be included within the Measures and consulted on with the relevant Trade Union and/or elected Employee Representatives.
Will we be responsible for providing First Aid and will our First Aid Responsibility Allowance continue?
ISS is still working to understand any non-contractual entitlements and will be requesting further information from your current employer. We will communicate any elements that cannot be replicated as soon as this information is available.
Will there be any change to the line management structure?
If your current supervisor or manager is in scope to transfer and does transfer to ISS, your existing reporting line will remain in place at the point of transfer. Where a new management structure is required because a manager is not in scope to transfer or the role is vacant, we will communicate the new reporting arrangements in advance of the transfer.
Will we have to clock in and out?
ISS will confirm the proposed process once we have received the official employment information from your current employer. Any proposed changes will be included within the Measures and discussed during consultation with the relevant Trade Union and/or elected Employee Representatives.
What notice period will we get for shift changes?
Any proposed shift changes will be communicated as far in advance as possible to support a smooth transition and minimise disruption.
Is there a date for when ISS will be meeting with us to discuss any changes?
Any proposed changes must be detailed within the Measures and communicated to, and consulted on with, any recognised Trade Union and/or elected Employee Representatives in the first instance. It is expected that the first collective consultation meetings will commence shortly.
Will we still have parking passes (applicable to sites where this is the current arrangement)?
Yes. Parking passes are currently in place for ISS employees and this arrangement will continue.
Does ISS recognise long service?
Yes. ISS operates a Long Service Award Scheme, recognising employees at 10 years' service and every 5 years thereafter.