Moving Premises

2. Involving Employees

2.1 Consult all your employees - and trade union representatives if applicable - well in advance of the planned move.

Without adequate consultation, you run the risk of breaching rules on the consultation of employees and also the risk of employees resigning.

• Involve employees in your plans.
• Keep employees up to date with briefings or presentations as the move progresses.

2.2 Moving premises will cause more problems with employees if it involves relocation.

• Relocating without employees' agreement could be a breach of their employment contracts, unless these include a suitable 'mobility clause'.
• Relocation is not an acceptable reason for redundancy, unless the location is to a site too far away for reasonable travelling.Even then, you should offer your employees the chance to relocate and may want to offer some payment for the expenses involved.
• If employees are unable to relocate, you may be required to offer a redundancy package.
• Recognise any hardship or expense that may result from the move, and agree any appropriate compensation.For example, employees may have to move house or change their children's schools.