TUPE is a a legal minefield and only partially protects workers. And yes it protects existing terms and conditions from day one.
Employers can then and most certainly will try and change them at some time in the future.
The only way to protect yoursleves is to
a) join the union (CWU)
www.cwu.org
b) Get someone to act as a rep
c) Start recruiting the contract staff who are often poorly treated
d) Get the union to offer moral and financial support for an Organsing campaign
e) Organise the campaign yourselves
f) If you get over 70% workforce to join the union can go for automatic recognition. If the CWU gets through the hurdles the employer has to recognise the union
g) Its illegal to prevent someone joining a union and you don't have to tell your employer
h) Unions have automatic representation rights in disciplines and grievances even where its not recognised
Fact: union workplaces pay better wages.
Go on - Get organised!
Any questions ? ask me