Our New Society

Updated colleague question and answers

January 2026

Terms and conditions

1. What is a transfer of engagement?

A transfer of engagements is a legal process provided by the law covering Co-ops. It provides a way for one Co-op to become responsible for the rights and obligations of another Co-op.

Midcounties colleagues will transfer to the new Society on their current terms and conditions as part of what is known as a transfer of engagement, which is unique to co-operatives.

Midcounties colleagues will receive a letter in the week following the merger, simply to confirm the legal entity change of their employer to Central England Co-operative Limited.

2. Has there been consultation with trade unions?

Yes. Both Societies have long-established and constructive relationships with USDAW, and we remain in close and ongoing dialogue with them. USDAW is closely involved in consultation processes and supports colleagues throughout any proposed changes. We see trade unions as key partners in ensuring a fair, transparent and supportive approach for colleagues.

3. Will there be any changes to my terms and conditions? Will our benefits package change?

There will be no changes to terms and conditions. Midcounties colleagues will receive a letter to confirm a change of employer legal entity name from 26 January 26.

As part of the Integration Programme - People Workstream, we will be reviewing Reward and Benefits to align to a New Society proposition. All colleagues will be communicated with about any proposed changes.

4. What will happen with our pensions?

Both societies have the same level of contributions, and this will not be expected to change. We are working with our current providers from both Societies and will communicate with colleagues in those schemes as soon as we have any further information.

Pay

5. Will I still be paid in the same way?

Both Societies will continue to operate their payroll systems as they do today. Both pay every 4 weeks, and our pay days are the same. Over time, we will be working to integrate our HR & Payroll systems, until that time colleagues across both Societies will not see any changes.

You will access your payslip in the same way.

6. Will we get a pay rise?

Pay rates will remain the same until the pay negotiations have been completed with USDAW in readiness for April 2026. The negotiation process is due to commence in February 2026.

 

Operations

7. Are there any changes to policies and procedures?

There are no changes to policies and procedures from day one.

There will be a side-by-side review of the Central and Midcounties policies to understand the differences and over time we will be implementing one policy for the new Society.

Any changes to policies will be communicated to colleagues at the appropriate time.

8. Will there be any changes to uniform or badges that we wear?

There are no immediate plans to change uniform or badges.

9. I am contracted to work at the Support Centre (Warwick or Lichfield), will the hybrid and agile working policies remain in place?

All current working arrangements will remain in place until the point in time this policy is reviewed.

We are producing Support Centre guides for both offices that colleagues may visit to ensure they have all the information they need.

10. When will the new Support Centre be announced?

At this point, no decision has been made regarding a single Support Centre. Both Societies own their current Support Centre buildings in Warwick and Lichfield, which gives us flexibility as we plan for the future.

The merger does present an opportunity to rethink how we use workspaces, especially in a post-pandemic world where ways of working have evolved. We’ll take all of these factors into account carefully. What’s most important is that we have time, we have options, and our colleagues will be at the heart of all decision-making.

11. Can I work at either Warwick of Lichfield ?

Colleagues should attend the place of work that they are contracted to until we have had opportunity to review this as part of the integration process.

Recruitment

12. How will vacancies be advertised from day one?

We will be operating two careers’ sites, until the point that the two systems are integrated: -

Central trading sites and Support Centre vacancies:- https://www.careers.coop/

Midcounties trading sites and Support Centre vacancies:- https://www.yourcoopcareers.co.uk

13. How can I view and apply for internal roles?

Colleagues can view internal only advertised roles at Central trading sites and Support Centre by clicking on the ‘are you an existing colleague’ button on the top right-hand corner of the external careers page:-

 A pop-up box will appear which you can complete and then you will be able to view and apply for roles. In the application process, it will ask if you are an internal applicant and you can say yes as we are now one society.

To view internal only advertised roles in Midcounties sites and Support Centre by clicking on the following link:- Midcounties Internal Vacancies

14. Will job swaps be available such as experiencing working in a funeral home for a week? It will be good to see how other parts of the new Society operate.

One of the great things about working for our Society is the family of businesses that we operate in Food, Funeral, Travel, Early Years and Utilities. Across both Societies we support our colleagues to consider their transferrable skills and continue their career in a different area. We have some great examples of colleagues who have worked across the different businesses. We don’t currently have a formal job swap process in place but something we can consider in the future. We would encourage any colleague who wants to explore a career in a different business area to speak to their line manager in the first instance and work together in arranging to spend some time with that site or function.

Learning and development

15. How can I get involved in the integration of the two Societies?

We want to provide opportunities for colleagues to be involved in the integration of the two Societies, colleagues will be asked to be involved based on their expertise, skills, and experience. Other opportunities will be available as the integration progresses, and we start to align processes and systems; key stakeholders will be consulted with at the most appropriate time.

We also need colleagues to be focused on keeping the business running and so have to balance the integration resource requirements with the needs of the business.

16. What will happen with my apprenticeship?

There are no changes to apprenticeships for colleagues across both Societies currently studying, and new opportunities for apprenticeships.

Future operating models

17. What will be the impact on colleagues?

At this stage, it is very much business as usual for the vast majority of colleagues particularly in our trading sites, and we want to thank colleagues across both Societies for continuing to serve Members and communities during what we recognise has been an uncertain period.

As we bring the two Societies together over time, there may be some duplication in certain roles, along with opportunities for colleagues Where this is the case, any proposed changes will be subject to formal consultation, and colleagues will be supported throughout the process. The integration of the new Society is expected to take some time, and colleagues will continue to be kept informed through regular briefings and open communication.

 

2026

20.01 - Read our Update here.

2025

23.12 - Read our update here.

09.12 - Read our update here.

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