Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE)

As part of the corporate services review currently taking place across UHL Group, from 1 April 2026, all corporate staff at Liverpool Women’s University Hospital (LWH) and Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH) will transfer to Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT) contracts and terms and conditions, under the TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) process.

This is a legal mechanism designed to protect you. It ensures you transfer on your existing terms and conditions, with continuity of service fully maintained.

For most colleagues, this will feel like a very straightforward administrative change, with no impact on the way you work.

The TUPE process is separate from the creation of new ‘Target Operating Models’ for corporate services, but it is important that teams who are providing a unified corporate service (such as HR or finance) are employed by the same organisation.

From 2 February to 31 March 2026, a period of consultation will take place with trade union colleagues regarding the transfer of employment of staff currently employed by LWH and LHCH to LUHFT as the statutory employer. The transfer is planned to take place on 1 April 2026 for all staff in corporate services.

What will change for you as part of the TUPE process?

The TUPE process is a largely administrative task. Whilst it is being undertaken as part of the corporate services review, the TUPE process itself does not involve any significant changes.

Very little will change as part of the TUPE process. The main difference is that your employer will be LUHFT instead of LWH/LHCH, and your monthly payslip will show LUHFT employer details. Please note that your pay date may change.

Each corporate service is developing their own ‘Target Operating Model’ which describes the structure of the corporate service when teams from the three organisations come together as one. Any changes to your role as part of corporate services review will be subject to a separate process of individual consultation – this is not part of the TUPE process.

Payroll and payslips

This part of the process is completely automatic:

  • Your March 2026 payslip will come from LWH/LHCH in the usual way
  • Your April 2026 pay will be issued by LUHFT
  • All deductions and arrangements (tax, NI, pension, salary sacrifice) will continue without interruption
  • There is no action required from you to switch systems.

You will continue to access your payslips and other employment information in the same way as you do now.

Reassurance, support and FAQs

We understand that organisational changes can raise questions, but please be assured that TUPE is designed to protect you, your role and your terms and conditions. For most staff, this will feel like a minimal operational change.

FAQs on TUPE will be available soon.

In the unlikely event that there are any issues during the transfer process, individual staff members will be contacted directly.

If you have any concerns, please speak to your HR team or your line manager.