§ Lord Hardy of Wathasked Her Majesty's Government:
What assurances will be given on the terms and conditions for the staff to be transferred to the private sector as part of the warship support modernisation initiative. [HL4154]
§ Lord BachFollowing successful discussions between officials from the Ministry of Defence, MoD trade unions and the prospective partnering companies, the MoD and the partnering companies have signed a joint statement of intent on the transfer of staff to the private sector under the warship support modernisation initiative. The joint statement of intent gives assurances that current terms and conditions, including redundancy provisions, will transfer in full in compliance with the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations and the MoD TUPE code of practice. New pension arrangements, broadly comparable to those currently enjoyed under the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme, will be offered to those who transfer.
The partnering companies have stated their intention to achieve any changes to pay and conditions of employment through consultation and negotiation. It is also their intention to achieve any job reductions that may arise through natural wastage and voluntary means to avoid compulsory redundancies. The companies confirm their commitment to work fully with the recognised trade unions after the transfer. These assurances are set out in full in the joint statement of intent, a copy of which will be placed in the Library of the House.