2  Aims

2.1 The aims of this protocol and guidance are:

•  to emphasise the need for effective communication and consultation between PSO's and the relevant trades unions when considering prospective PPP schemes

•  to make clear the expectation upon prospective and actual private sector service providers to demonstrate a constructive approach to employee relations, including recognition of appropriate trades unions.

•  to ensure consistency of good practice in the handling of employment issues as a consequence of PPP contracts in Scotland.

•  to safeguard the employment terms and conditions of individual public sector employees who transfer to private sector 'service providers' as a consequence of PPP's

•  to provide guidance on how PSOs should ensure that the terms and conditions of service of new employees appointed by contractors to PPP workforces post-transfer, should be such as to eliminate the scope for the creation of so-called "two-tier" workforces.

•  To provide guidance on the pension provisions that should be offered to transferred employees and new appointees in PPP situations