Question 1

What is TUPE and why am I transferring?

Accepted Answer

TUPE is a UK regulation that protects employees when the business or service they work for transfers to a new employer. This means your employment is moving to us, but your existing rights and protections move with you.

Question 2

What happens to my existing terms and conditions?

Accepted Answer

Your current terms and conditions of employment transfer automatically and remain the same unless changes are legally permitted and agreed through a formal consultation process. This includes your salary, hours, holiday entitlement, and contractual benefits.

Question 3

Will my length of service be affected?

Accepted Answer

No. Your continuous service is fully protected. Your start date with ForHousing will be honoured and recognised by us for all employment purposes.

Question 4

Will my pay date or payroll method change?

Accepted Answer

You will continue to be paid on or around 15th of each month. There may be differences in our payroll processes (e.g. payslip format), but we will communicate any changes clearly before your first pay period with us. Each month you will receive a link via your personal email address so that you can access your payslip.

Question 5

What happens to my annual leave entitlement?

Accepted Answer

Your contractual holiday entitlement transfers with you. Any annual leave already booked and approved will be honoured. We will explain any differences in how we record or request annual leave as part of your induction.

Question 6

Will my role or location change after the transfer?

Accepted Answer

We do not anticipate any immediate changes to your role. If operational changes are considered in the future, we will consult with you and any employee representatives before decisions are made. Your main workplace will change to The Portal in Ellesmere Port.

Question 7

Can I continue to work from home once I transfer?

Accepted Answer

Yes-you can continue to work from home. The number of days working from home will be role specific and to be agreed with the individuals line manager. However, the basis of the agile worker style envisages that office days will be no fewer than 2 to 4 days per month.

Question 8

What happens to my employee records and personal data?

Accepted Answer

As part of the TUPE process, your employee data transfers securely to us so we can continue your employment. All data is handled in accordance with GDPR.

Question 9

Who will I report to once I transfer?

Accepted Answer

Unless advised otherwise, you will continue to report to the same person as before.

Question 10

When can I access my employee benefits? Will all these benefits be available immediately after transfer?

Accepted Answer

Most benefits become available once your transfer is complete and your details are active on our payroll system.  You will be able to register on Working Rewards website where you can find details of all of our employee benefits.

Question 11

Does CW&C have a type of healthcare scheme?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You'll be enrolled on a Medicash Active Plan, which provides cashback on: 
 • Dental and optical costs 
 • Complementary therapies 
 • Hospital stays 
 • Personal accident cover, and more

Question 12

Will I have access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) at CW&C?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will have access to Care First, our free and confidential EAP for support with: 
 • Financial concerns 
 • Mental health and wellbeing 
 • Debt and budgeting advice 
 • Personal, family or workplace issues 
Support is available 24/7 via telephone and online resources and you will be able to find this information on our hub (intranet) or via the working rewards website mentioned above.

Question 13

What is Working Rewards and what discounts are available through Working Rewards?

Accepted Answer

Working Rewards is a discount scheme benefit, which provides discounts on: 
 • Highstreet retailers 
 • Restaurants 
 • Hotels & travel 
 • Motoring and health services 
 
Examples include: 
 • Reloadable discount cards (e.g., Goldsmiths, Asda, Costa) 
 • High street vouchers 
 • Cashback & online deals 
 • Cinema savings of up to 40% 
 • Holiday discounts up to 10%

Question 14

Does CW&C offer any salary sacrifice schemes?

Accepted Answer

Yes — including: 
 • Cycle to Work scheme 
 • Home & Technology scheme for laptops, tablets, smartwatches, etc. (spread over 36 months, no credit checks) 
 • Car scheme - our car benefit gives you the chance to drive a brand-new, fully maintained, and insured vehicle for a manageable fixed amount as part of our salary sacrifice benefit. 
 • AVC Wise- Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme- allows you to make cost efficient retirement savings alongside your Local Government Pension Scheme.

Question 15

Can I buy additional annual leave at CW&C?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Eligible employees can purchase any amount of additional holiday as long as the service you work for can accommodate your request. Windows open in January and August each year.

Question 16

Do I receive discounted gym memberships as a CW&C employee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Through Brio WorkFit, employees and household members (aged 17+) receive 30% off membership packages. A payslip is required as proof of employment.

Question 17

Where can I find out further information about LGPS?

Accepted Answer

You can get further information on the website Members | Cheshire Pension Fund. (https://www.cheshirepensionfund.org/members/)

Question 18

Can I claim for eye tests if I use display screens (DSE)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Employees who regularly use DSE (e.g., computers) are entitled to a free eye test.

If special lenses are required solely for DSE use, basic spectacles can also be claimed via expenses.

Question 19

Will my probation period reset?

Accepted Answer

No. If you have already completed a probation period with your previous employer, it will not restart. If your probation period is still active, it will continue with us on the same terms.

Question 20

Can I refuse to transfer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but this is treated as a resignation under TUPE and means your employment will end on the transfer date without redundancy pay. If you are unsure, we encourage you to discuss your options with HR.

Question 21

What support will be available to me during the transition from CW&C?

Accepted Answer

Our HR team and your new line manager will provide guidance, onboarding information, and support as you settle in. We are committed to making the transition as smooth as possible.

Question 22

When will I receive more detailed information from CW&C?

Accepted Answer

We will provide a full welcome pack, including key policies, contact details, payroll information, and any changes that affect your day-to-day work, ahead of your transfer date or shortly after.

Question 23

When will I receive my new laptop to enable me to continue working?

Accepted Answer

Work is underway to ensure that you will receive your new laptop on your first day.

Question 24

What will my induction look like at CW&C?

Accepted Answer

You will be provided with an induction plan which will show what your first weeks with us will look like.

Question 25

What does Cheshire West and Chester Council do?

Accepted Answer

The Council provides vital services that touch residents’ lives daily, including social care, schools, housing, planning, waste collection, business support, registrations, pest control and more. The Council employs almost 3,500 people across a wide range of services and departments.

Question 26

What is the vision of the Council?

Accepted Answer

The vision is “A stronger future where we all play our part in thriving, caring and sustainable communities.”

Question 27

What values guide how employees work?

Accepted Answer

Employees follow the THRIVE values, which shape behaviours and how colleagues work together: 
 • Teamwork 
 • Honesty 
 • Respect 
 • Innovation 
 • Value for money 
Empowerment

Question 28

What strategic priorities (missions) drive the Council’s work?

Accepted Answer

The Council operates through six missions aimed at improving life for residents: 
1. Starting well – ensuring the best start for children and families. 
2. Tackling hardship and poverty – improving financial security for residents. 
3. Resilient people living their best lives – supporting health, independence and wellbeing. 
4. Opportunity in a fair local economy – creating a strong, inclusive economy. 
5. Neighbourhood pride – maintaining safe, connected communities and good homes. 
Greener communities – tackling the climate emergency and protecting the environment.

Question 29

What is the culture like at the Council?

Accepted Answer

The culture emphasises collaboration, innovation and community impact. Employees are encouraged to “play their part,” live the THRIVE values, and contribute to meaningful services that help residents every day.

Question 30

What makes the Council a unique place to work?

Accepted Answer

Colleagues at Cheshire West and Chester Council are proud to serve the community and to have the opportunity to work on services that have real, daily impact for residents. We enjoy close working relationships with local organisations and communities and a commitment to fairness, sustainability and stronger communities.

Question 31

What does  Political Restriction mean and will this impact my role?

Accepted Answer

Certain employees hold politically restricted posts (PoRPs). These are normally specified posts or sensitive posts. If your job is politically restricted, you will be notified in writing.

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Cheshire West and Chester Council's new

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Frequently asked questions

What is TUPE and why am I transferring?

What happens to my existing terms and conditions?

Will my length of service be affected?

Will my pay date or payroll method change?

What happens to my annual leave entitlement?

Will my role or location change after the transfer?

Can I continue to work from home once I transfer?

What happens to my employee records and personal data?

Who will I report to once I transfer?

When can I access my employee benefits? Will all these benefits be available immediately after transfer?

Does CW&C have a type of healthcare scheme?

Will I have access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) at CW&C?

What is Working Rewards and what discounts are available through Working Rewards?

Does CW&C offer any salary sacrifice schemes?

Can I buy additional annual leave at CW&C?

Do I receive discounted gym memberships as a CW&C employee?

Where can I find out further information about LGPS?

Can I claim for eye tests if I use display screens (DSE)?

Will my probation period reset?

Can I refuse to transfer?

What support will be available to me during the transition from CW&C?

When will I receive more detailed information from CW&C?

When will I receive my new laptop to enable me to continue working?

What will my induction look like at CW&C?

What does Cheshire West and Chester Council do?

What is the vision of the Council?

What values guide how employees work?

What strategic priorities (missions) drive the Council’s work?

What is the culture like at the Council?

What makes the Council a unique place to work?

What does Political Restriction mean and will this impact my role?