TUPE stands for Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006. These regulations aim to protect employees if the business they work for changes hands. TUPE applies to all businesses in the UK.   

TUPE applies to a “relevant transfer” which could be a business transfer a service provision change, or both. This guide aims to illustrate the differences between these different scenarios and the possible stages that a people professional may wish to follow before, during and after a TUPE process. Throughout this guide, we also use a case study based on a fictional medium-sized business, in order to illustrate common challenges people professionals are faced with in a TUPE situation.  

This guide is accompanied by the employment law page on TUPE. The law page describes the regulations, the legal remits around their application and how the courts consider cases in this area. The guide and the law page work together to establish the meaning and process of TUPE.   

Whilst this guide illustrates common examples of TUPE, no one TUPE process is the same. If you have individual queries regarding your organisation, or any possible TUPE transfer, the CIPD offer an employment law helpline for members. 

Member tool: CIPD Buddy AI
Use AI to find trusted answers on our Knowledge hub. Start using CIPD Buddy

On this page

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue
Instant access Explore membership
    • All guides