TUPE notification of the possibility of transfer letter template

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A TUPE notification of the possibility of transfer letter for informing affected employees that their employment may transfer to another employer and explaining what is currently known, what the potential transfer could mean and how employees will be kept informed.

Use this template to:

  • Notify employees at an early stage that a TUPE transfer is being considered
  • Explain the proposed transfer, its current status and the reason for it
  • Reduce uncertainty and rumours by communicating what is currently known
  • Explain that formal TUPE information and consultation will follow where required
  • Set expectations about future communications and employee questions
  • Create a clear written record that employees were informed about the potential transfer
TUPE notification of the possibility of transfer letter template
2026 Reviewed
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What's included in this template?

This template brings together the key information, sections and considerations you need to create a clear, comprehensive and professional HR document. Preview the document below.

  • Potential transfer details
  • Reason for the proposed transfer
  • Current position and timescales
  • Potential impact on employees
  • Future consultation arrangements
  • Questions and communication arrangements
Template

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Email

[Sender name]

[Sender address]

[date]

[Recipient name]

[Recipient address]

 

Dear [Recipient first name],

Notification of possible TUPE transfer

I am writing to let you know that the Company is currently considering arrangements that may result in your employment transferring to another employer under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE).

At this stage, the proposed transfer has not yet been completed and some aspects of the arrangements remain subject to [due diligence / contractual discussions / final approval / other relevant condition]. We want to keep you informed as the position develops and provide you with as much information as we reasonably can.

What is being considered?

The Company is currently considering [describe the proposed business transfer, outsourcing, insourcing, service provision change or other relevant transaction].

The potential incoming employer is [New Employer Name].

The reason for the proposed change is [insert clear explanation of the business reason].

The potential transfer is currently expected to take place on or around [provisional transfer date], although this date may change as the arrangements develop.

What could this mean for you?

If the proposed arrangements proceed and TUPE applies, your employment may transfer from [Current Employer Name] to [New Employer Name].

Where TUPE applies, employees generally transfer with their existing employment rights and contractual terms protected.

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£9.99
Specifications
Access 12 months, with updates
Length 2 pages • 494 words
Jurisdiction England, Wales, Scotland
Based on UK law, ACAS guidance
Last review 08/09/2026
Next review 08/03/2027
Delivery Instant digital delivery
Formats .doc · .txt · email

What is a TUPE notification of the possibility of transfer letter?

TUPE notification of the possibility of transfer letter template preview

Where a business transfer, service provision change or other transaction may result in employees transferring to another employer under TUPE, early communication can help reduce uncertainty and maintain trust. This letter provides a practical way to tell affected employees that a transfer is being considered before the position is finalised.

Explaining the potential transfer

The letter explains what is currently being considered, who the potential incoming employer is, why the transfer is being considered and the anticipated timescale. It can be adapted where discussions are still subject to due diligence, contractual arrangements or other conditions.

Being clear about what is known

At the early stage, some information may not yet be confirmed. The letter separates confirmed information from matters that remain subject to discussion, helping avoid giving employees assurances about arrangements that have not yet been finalised.

Explaining what it could mean for employees

The communication can explain that TUPE may protect affected employees' employment and existing rights, while making clear that further information will be provided as the proposal develops. It can also explain that any measures or proposed changes will be addressed through the appropriate information and consultation process.

Preparing for formal information and consultation

Early notification does not replace the statutory TUPE information and consultation process. Once the transfer is sufficiently developed, the employer must ensure that the appropriate affected employees and representatives receive the required information and, where applicable, are consulted about measures affecting employees.

Example

A company currently provides facilities management services to a large client. The client is considering transferring the service to another provider, and discussions between the two businesses have progressed to the point where a TUPE transfer is a realistic possibility. A final decision has not yet been made and the proposed transfer date remains provisional.

The current employer decides that affected employees should be informed rather than allowing uncertainty and rumours to develop. HR prepares a letter explaining that the client is considering appointing another provider, that the employees' roles may therefore transfer under TUPE and that the anticipated transfer date is subject to confirmation.

The letter explains that no immediate change is being made to the employees' employment and that further information will be provided as the position develops. It also explains that the employer will carry out the appropriate TUPE information and consultation process if the transfer proceeds.

HR then arranges a briefing for affected employees and establishes a channel for questions. Once the proposed transfer is sufficiently developed, the formal TUPE information and consultation process is commenced with the appropriate representatives and employees.

The wider HR process

Related HR resources and workflow

Explore the HR resources that may be relevant before and / or after using the TUPE notification of the possibility of transfer letter, helping you understand the wider process, maintain appropriate documentation and follow a consistent approach.

Previous
Scripts
TUPE notification of the possibility of transfer meeting script

Our TUPE Notification Meeting Script template guides discussions on the potential transfer, ensuring a clear and respectful communication process for all parties involved.

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TUPE notification of the possibility of transfer letter
Next
Letters
Request for information about TUPE measures letter

A request for information about TUPE measures letter for an outgoing employer to send to the incoming employer, asking them to confirm any measures they envisage taking in connection with the transfer so that the outgoing employer can provide appropriate information to affected employees or their representatives.

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Implementation guidance

Use these best practice actions, recommended timescales and process stages to understand when and how the TUPE notification of the possibility of transfer letter should be used, helping ensure each step is handled consistently and appropriately documented.

Step Description Responsibility Timing
1 Establish the current status of the proposed transaction or service change and identify employees who may potentially be affected by a TUPE transfer. HR / Management At early planning stage
2 Agree the information that can be communicated, including the reason for the potential transfer, likely incoming employer and indicative timescale. HR / Management Before notification
3 Issue the notification to affected employees and explain what is currently known, what remains subject to confirmation and how questions will be handled. HR / Management As early as appropriate
4 Prepare and commence the formal TUPE information and consultation process when the transfer is sufficiently developed, involving the appropriate representatives or employees. HR / Management Before transfer
5 Continue providing updates, respond to questions and record consultation discussions and outcomes throughout the transfer process. HR / Management Throughout process
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Common mistakes

Understand the common mistakes to avoid when using this HR template, helping you reduce risk, prevent unnecessary costs and ensure the process is handled correctly.

  • Presenting a potential transfer as certain when the transaction has not yet been confirmed.
  • Waiting until the last minute before communicating with affected employees.
  • Giving assurances about jobs, terms or working arrangements that have not been confirmed.
  • Treating an early notification letter as a substitute for formal TUPE consultation.
  • Failing to identify all employees who may be affected by the proposed transfer.
  • Allowing information to become inconsistent between employees, managers and representatives.
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HR considerations

UK employment law and best practice

This template is designed to support the process, but the document should be used alongside the relevant HR procedure and applied to the circumstances of the individual case.

Informing employees about a potential transfer

Acas recommends that employers consider informing employees and representatives about a potential TUPE transfer before decisions are made. Although this early communication is not itself the statutory TUPE information requirement, it can help reduce uncertainty and allow concerns to be identified early. https://www.acas.org.uk/inform-and-consult-staff-in-a-tupe-transfer/when-you-should-inform-and-consult

Who is an affected employee?

Affected employees can include employees who are expected to transfer, employees who remain with the current employer but whose work will be affected by colleagues transferring out, and employees already working for the incoming employer whose work may be affected by employees transferring in. https://www.acas.org.uk/inform-and-consult-staff-in-a-tupe-transfer/who-you-must-inform-and-consult

Statutory TUPE information

Where TUPE applies, the employer must provide affected employees or their representatives with specified information about the transfer. This includes the fact that the transfer is happening, when it is expected to happen, why it is happening, its legal, economic and social implications, and any measures the new employer envisages taking in relation to transferring employees. https://www.acas.org.uk/inform-and-consult-staff-in-a-tupe-transfer/what-you-must-inform-and-consult-about

Information and consultation

Both the old and new employer have legal obligations to inform and, where applicable, consult affected employees and their representatives before a TUPE transfer. Consultation must be genuine and meaningful where measures are expected to affect employees. https://www.acas.org.uk/tupe/advice-for-employers-and-employees/how-your-employer-should-inform-and-consult-you

Who should be consulted?

Where there is a recognised trade union, consultation should take place with the appropriate union representatives. Where there are no recognised union representatives, employee representatives may need to be elected depending on the size of the organisation and number of employees transferring. In qualifying smaller organisations or transfers involving fewer than 10 employees, direct consultation may be possible. https://www.acas.org.uk/inform-and-consult-staff-in-a-tupe-transfer/who-you-must-inform-and-consult

Timing

There is no fixed statutory period for TUPE information and consultation. Employers must allow enough time to inform and fully consult before the transfer and should begin the process as early as possible. https://www.acas.org.uk/inform-and-consult-staff-in-a-tupe-transfer/when-you-should-inform-and-consult

Employment rights

Where TUPE applies, employees generally transfer to the new employer with their existing employment rights and terms protected. Employers should avoid presenting the potential transfer as an opportunity to impose changes simply to align employees with the incoming employer's existing terms. https://www.gov.uk/transfers-takeovers/transfers-of-employment-contracts

Employee liability information

The transferor must provide specified employee liability information to the incoming employer. GOV.UK guidance states that this information normally includes employment details, certain disciplinary and grievance information and relevant legal claims, and must normally be provided at least 4 weeks before the transfer. https://www.gov.uk/transfers-takeovers/information-about-employees-during-transfers

Consequences of failing to inform and consult

Failure to comply with TUPE information and consultation obligations can result in an employment tribunal claim. Compensation can be up to 13 weeks' uncapped gross pay for each affected employee in relevant circumstances. https://www.acas.org.uk/inform-and-consult-staff-in-a-tupe-transfer

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FAQs

Does this letter mean that the TUPE transfer has definitely been agreed?

No. This template is specifically designed for notifying employees that a transfer is being considered or is a realistic possibility. The wording should be adapted to make clear whether the transaction is proposed, subject to conditions or already agreed in principle.

Is early notification of a possible TUPE transfer legally required?

Acas recommends considering early communication about a potential transfer, particularly to reduce uncertainty and concerns. The statutory TUPE information and consultation obligations apply once the transfer is sufficiently established and must be completed before the transfer where required. https://www.acas.org.uk/inform-and-consult-staff-in-a-tupe-transfer/when-you-should-inform-and-consult

Does this letter replace formal TUPE consultation?

No. It is an early communication tool and should not be used as a substitute for the statutory information and consultation process. Where measures are expected to affect employees, genuine and meaningful consultation with the appropriate representatives or employees is required. https://www.acas.org.uk/inform-and-consult-staff-in-a-tupe-transfer/how-to-inform-and-consult-staff

Who should receive the notification?

The communication should normally be provided to employees who may be affected by the potential transfer. This can include employees transferring, employees remaining behind whose work may be affected and, in some circumstances, employees already working for the incoming employer. https://www.acas.org.uk/inform-and-consult-staff-in-a-tupe-transfer/who-you-must-inform-and-consult

Can the employer tell employees that their terms and conditions will not change?

Employers should avoid making absolute assurances before the position is fully understood. TUPE generally protects existing employment rights and terms, but the precise implications of a transfer should be explained carefully and any proposed measures should be addressed through the appropriate process.

Why use HRDocBox rather than AI?

AI can produce a generic TUPE announcement, but TUPE communications need to distinguish between an early notification of a possible transfer and the formal statutory information and consultation process. HRDocBox templates are structured around practical UK TUPE processes and help employers communicate what is known without accidentally presenting an uncertain transaction as final or treating an early letter as a substitute for consultation.

How this content is developed and reviewed

The TUPE notification of the possibility of transfer letter template is developed using a practical HR methodology that considers current UK employment legislation, ACAS guidance, CIPD good practice and the real-world HR process it supports. Templates and supporting information are regularly reviewed and updated, with additional reviews triggered by significant changes to legislation, guidance or established HR practice, helping ensure each document remains practical, relevant and suitable for UK employers.

About the author

Darryl Horn, Chartered HR Director

Darryl is a Chartered HR professional with over 25 years' experience in senior HR and employee relations roles.

He has extensive practical experience of managing tupe HR processes and founded hrdocbox to provide businesses with practical, professionally developed HR resources grounded in UK employment law and best practice.

HRDocBox has been creating practical UK HR documents since 2009.

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