The Government’s franchising reforms offer a clear opportunity to embed stronger and fairer employment practices across the sector. Better pay, fair progression, and stable conditions are not only essential for retaining drivers but are also critical to maintaining reliable and high-quality bus services. Without addressing these workforce issues, the wider goals of reform risk being undermined. (Conclusion, Paragraph 81)

The Government’s franchising reforms offer a clear opportunity to embed stronger and fairer employment practices across the sector. Better pay, fair progression, and stable conditions are not only essential for retaining drivers but are also critical to maintaining reliable and high-quality bus services. Without addressing these workforce issues, the wider goals of reform risk being undermined. (Conclusion, Paragraph 81) Type: conclusion | Number: 22 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: There is already robust legislation in place to safeguard employees during the transition to franchising. The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) apply to employees of businesses across the United Kingdom. Under Section 123X of the Transport Act 2000, TUPE is