1. Will current terms & conditions go across with us?
Yes, overall AFC T&C’s will continue to apply and will be unchanged. MWL are currently reviewing policies that may be deemed as contractual, and any proposed measures will be highlighted and discussed during the consultation process.
2. Financial detriment, i.e. parking charges, will these be covered by the trust or waived, if so, how long for.
MWL are yet to receive any specific detail on deductions made to in-scope colleagues for this transfer. It is expected that individual data will be received by no later than 28 days prior to the transfer (1st April 2026). As part of the consultation process both group and individual discussions will be offered.
3. What are the expectations of role?
Expectations will remain as currently and will evolve in line with local and regional strategic plans around urgent care and neighbourhood health.
4. Will the hours of the service remain the same ?
Yes, it will remain the same.
5. What is the expectation on travel across the footprint?
We don’t anticipate any immediate change, but we will work with the service and partners to deliver care from the best place and any impact of this will be discussed with you and consulted on, as needed.
6. I am aware if issues with ‘difficult behaviour ‘ within areas of MWL previously with the team, will we be given assurances this won’t happen to us.
The purpose of the TUPE is to support the onboarding of colleagues in scope with the UCR Knowsley service into MWL. The Trust that has commitment to our Values of ‘We are Kind, We are Inclusive and We are Open’ and this is embedded across services Trust-wide.
7. What induction will there be for us?
Colleagues will be invited to attend the Trust induction ‘A Warm Welcome’ with dates arranged throughout 2026 to support attendance – this will be shared with you as part of the Trust Welcome Pack upon transferring to MWL. Further, staff introductions with the St Helen’s UCR Team will also be supported.
8. Will we be supernumerary for a period of time?
It is not anticipated that a supernumerary period will be required as the functioning of the services and job roles will not change.
9. Where will our base be? Hospital or community ?
Please see response to Question 5.
10. What is the expectation be re flexible working/starts/hybrid working?
The consultation process will allow for details of any approved flexible working arrangements to be discussed; please arrange a 121 meeting for any direct conversation. Following the transfer, it is anticipated that the Trust Flexible Working Policy will apply.
11. Will my H27 and flexible work plan remain in place
Please see response to question 10.
12. Will there be assurances that terms and conditions such as sickness policy will follow over.
The HR Leads are currently working collaboratively to review Trust policies to then reach an agreed position; it is expected that Merseycare policies are fundamentally in line with AFC principles and so will remain the same. You will be fully updated as part of the consultation process as to any proposed measures.
13. Will there be assurances re AL already booked will be honoured.
Any annual leave that has been booked and approved will be honoured; the details of this are due to be shared from Merseycare as part of the TUPE process.
14. Pay protection- if anyone is down banded can we expect pay protection?
MWL will await the final employee list as part of the TUPE process; there is no immediate plan to change posts / bands as a result of this service transfer.
15. What will happen with uniform/equipment?
The Merseycare & MWL Operations Team are currently reviewing this question and will provide a response during the consultation.
16. Is there any plans to restructure the team after transfer?
Please see the response to question 14.
17. Will I still be doing the same type of work post-transfer
Yes, the service will transfer in its current form.
18. Will my salary/hours and contract terms remain the same?
Yes, main terms and conditions of employment will remain the same post transfer.
19. Will pay dates remain the same ?
MWL pay date is on 28th of the month (or the Friday previous if the usual pay date falls on a weekend or bank holiday). Typically, the Trust has an earlier pay date in December & January, but this is yet to be confirmed for 2026 / 2027.
If this date is different to your current pay date, it will be declared as a measure as part of the consultation process.
20. Are overtime, enhancements or allowances protected?
All pay and terms and conditions as part of agenda for change remain unchanged.
21. Will my length of service carry over in full ?
Yes, continuous, and reckonable service are recorded on your ESR record which will transfer.
22. Are there any changes being considered now or in the future?
Please see response to question 14
23. What protections are in place if the role changes significantly?
Colleagues are protected under legislation, specifically the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006, as a result of this transfer. There will be no detriment incurred as a result of the TUPE.
24. Will there be any training required under the new trust?
MWL & Merseycare are working collaboratively to ensure a safe transfer of the Knowsley UCR service. To support this, current mandatory training requirements are being reviewed, and a full response will be shared once this review has been completed.
25. Are there plans to shift work into hospital settings
MWL deliver a range of community services now which focus on care closer to home. We have ambition to join up pathways, share skills, and develop staff across community and acute boundaries. Please also see response to question 14.
26. Will community specific enhancements continue, i.e. milage, unsocial hours.
Please see response to question 20.
27. Will documentation systems change?
MWL uses EMIS like Merseycare, the project team are currently assessing the best possible way to work and ensure consistency in how we deliver UCR across our footprint
28. Will there be a 1:1 arranged with new organisation
Yes, all colleagues will be offered the opportunity to have a 121 meeting with a representative from MWL prior to the transfer and as part of the consultation process
29. Who will be the manager?
It is expected that the leadership role within the service will transfer and retain management responsibilities and further support will come from within the Divisional Structure.
30. What will rota look like for April and when will this be released to staff?
As the service will remain the same, it is expected that the roster in place at Merseycare will be replicated. Part of the TUPE activity will include Roster Teams to start the conversation on the detail of your rosters so it can be built and financially approved.
31. Will information on mandatory training be carried across or will it all have to be retaken?
Mandatory training may vary slightly but core and compulsory training should remain the same for clinical staff. Conversations will take place with both Workforce Information Teams to gather the specific details of relevant training so this can be fully reviewed as part of the transfer activity.
32. If you remain on bank with Merseycare, can you keep your equipment?
The answer to this is being reviewed by Merseycare HR and a response will be confirmed as soon as possible.
33. Will sickness be managed in line with MWL policy and is there provision for carers leave.
Please see response to question 12.