Industrial Relations assignment Final year Business studies degree
Industrial relations: Prior to 1979, the power of UK Trade Unions could be described as extraordinary. ... ‘No longer were trade unions seen as ‘joint mangers’ with government of the industrial and economic system but rather a barrier to the achievement of government objectives and therefore needing to curtailed through legislation. ... It appeared that Thatcher seemed rather unsure of what industrial relations system should be in place. Under Thatcher, the Conservative government introduced some significant Industrial relations reforms, including Employment Acts (1980, 1982, 1988 and 1990), Trade Union Act (1984) and Trade Union Reform and lastly Employment Right Act (1993) which came into force under John Major. ... Employers were given the freedom to choose their industrial relations policies. ... After the successful 1997 election when ‘New Labour’ were voted to govern the UK, subsequently the way in which industrial relations was approached changed. ... However ‘New Labour’ has made a number of important industrial relations reforms. ... Jobs could be lost as a result of increase wages costs to small business. ... htm After this white paper was passed, the ‘Employment Relations Act 1999’ was introduced. ... uk/business However, the social chapter could have a negative effect on UK workers, many employees rely on their overtime pay, but by signing the social chapter, British workers are now limited to working no more than 48 hours a week. ... ’ Bentley (1999:35) Look to appendix three: diagram of the government approaches to Industrial relations. ... ‘New Labour’ has improved relations with its European counterparts due to the new third Way ideologies.