Equality Bill [HL]

I shall endeavour to be helpful to my noble friend. We have already provided for the protections under TUPE to apply to the transfer of staff from the existing commissions to the CEHR, as set out in subsection (5). I can reassure my noble friend and confirm that it is our intention that the full protection of TUPE will apply to all staff of the existing three commissions. I also take the opportunity to reassure my noble friend that it is not our intention to transfer any staff to the new commission without the full protection of   TUPE. We are working closely with employee representatives and senior management of the existing commissions to develop the most effective way forward in that and other related matters. We do not intend to use the provision in Clause   39(5) to transfer staff. Therefore it has not been necessary to make that power subject to TUPE. Clause 39(5) is simply a safety net to ensure that any residual rights or liabilities of the existing commissions are vested in the CEHR. We recognise the concerns and fears of all staff concerned over the establishment of the new commission and will continue to work hard over the next year to ensure that staff are kept informed of progress and consulted on the transfer. It is crucial to the success of the new organisation that the vast experience and expertise developed by staff in the three commissions is transferred to the new body. I hope that that explanation reassures my noble friend and that she is able to withdraw her amendment.