An Office Manager’s Guide To Stress-Free TUPE Transfers

TLDR

The process of changing cleaning contractors is streamlined and protected by the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE), which ensures your current cleaners are automatically transferred to the new provider under the same terms and conditions. This legislation is vital for maintaining service continuity by retaining staff who know the building, preventing unnecessary redundancies and reducing office disruption. Jaguar takes pride in going beyond the legal transfer - we consistently transform struggling TUPE teams into motivated, reliable cleaning operatives who thrive when given the correct training, tools, support and pay delivered on time, every time.

Introduction

Changing cleaning providers can feel daunting. Many Office Managers worry about disruption, losing familiar staff, or handling tricky legal processes. But thanks to TUPE legislation, switching contracts doesn’t have to be stressful.

Here’s a simple guide to understanding TUPE transfers and how to make the process smooth and beneficial for everyone involved.

What Is TUPE?

TUPE stands for the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations. Put simply, when you change cleaning contractors, TUPE ensures that the cleaners already working on your site automatically transfer to the new provider under the same terms and conditions.

This means:

• Staff keep their jobs and employment rights.
• Clients retain the same team who already know the building.
• Everyone benefits from continuity and stability.

So if you’re considering changing cleaning contractors, TUPE is what makes the transition smoother and fairer.

Why TUPE Transfers Matter In Cleaning Contracts

Office cleaners often build strong relationships with staff and become familiar with the quirks of each workplace. Without TUPE, a change of contractor could mean starting again with a completely new team.

TUPE avoids these issues by:

• Preventing unnecessary redundancies.
• Reducing disruption to office routines.
• Maintaining valuable knowledge of your site.

The Office Manager’s Role In TUPE Transfers

As an Office Manager, you don’t need to become an employment law expert. But understanding your role in the process helps things run smoothly. You should:

• Confirm TUPE applies when changing contractors.
• Ensure staff receive clear communication about the transfer.
• Work closely with both outgoing and incoming providers.

Handled well, TUPE keeps your staff reassured and your cleaning standards consistent.

How The Right Partner Makes A Difference

While TUPE protects staff legally, the real difference comes from how the new provider supports them. The truth is: most of the time, you don’t change contractors because of the cleaners - you change because management has failed them.

Poor training, lack of communication, and even late pay all create underperformance. It isn’t the employees’ fault - it’s the system around them.

At Jaguar, turning these situations around is one of our strengths. We believe people thrive when they are supported properly. Every team member - whether they’ve joined us directly or transferred through TUPE - receives:

• Correct training and induction.
• Regular check-ins, support, and open communication.
• Respect, recognition, and correct pay on time, every time.

This approach transforms so-called “failing” teams into motivated, reliable staff. Our turnover is just 15% (versus an industry average of between 60%-100%), which means continuity and trust for our clients.

TUPE transfers don’t have to be stressful. With the right partner, changing cleaning contractors can be smooth, compliant, and even a positive step toward better standards. Ready to switch your cleaning contractor with confidence? Make an Enquiry Today.