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In the news this week

It's Party Conference season and the media has been largely reporting from the Liberal Democrat Conference in Glasgow. On employment rights, Business Secretary Vince Cable pushed for an increase in the National Minimum Wage and, indeed, has already set the ball in rolling by asking the Low Pay Commission to report on what labour market conditions would be necessary to increase the level of the minimum wage. In the same statement, Cable announced a consultation into zero-hours contracts would be launched. While the Liberal Democrats have, in these moves, showed divergence from the Conservatives, they are unlikely to make much of a difference to workers' rights. The IER recommends a labour force founded on collective bargaining as a solution to both the problems of low pay and exploitative contracts.

Collective bargaining Why labour law reform will be at the heart of the next election By Alan Bogg, Professor of Labour Law, Oxford University The next election will be the first in a generation in which one of the central battlegrounds will be labour law reform. The coalition response to the economic crisis has created a vicious circle of declining real wages for hardworking citizens, the spectacular and shameful growth in precarious zero-hours contracting and increasing social and economic inequality. There is an urgent need for greater collective bargaining in the UK By Professor Keith Ewing and John Hendy QC The right to agree wages and conditions collectively with employers made a huge difference to workers' lives. We need it back urgently.

Equality Public Sector Equality Duty reviewed and found to be a "burden" The panel reviewing the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) has described the legislation – which aims to ensure that public bodies and their contractors uphold their responsibility to ensure their services promote equality among people – as a "burden".

Trade Union Rights Anger as govt appeals against trade union win on mass redundancy The government has won the right to appeal against an employment tribunal decision that could have a major impact on employment law. Tories prioritise removing human rights A survey of Conservatives has revealed that most consider withdrawal from the European Convention of Human Rights a 'non-negotiable' should they be forced to agree another Coalition with the Liberal Democrats.

New on the Coalition Timeline Click here to see the Coalition Timeline

Public Sector

• Royal Mail privatisation announced (10/07/2013)
• Fined firm given NHS contract (03/09/2013)
• Royal Mail to be sold off in "coming weeks" (12/09/2013)

Trade union rights

• Tory attempts to create fear of unions (25/08/2013)
• Lobbying Bill so extreme even Tories oppose it (03/09/2013)
• U-turn expected on hated Lobbying Bill (06/09/2013)
• New TUPE rules attack workers and trade unions (05/09/2013)
• Tories prioritise removing human rights (10/09/2013)
• Govt appeals trade union win on mass redundancy (18/09/2013)

Increasing vulnerability in the workplace

• Shares for rights scheme comes into effect (01/09/2013)

Pay and benefits

• Tories 'against asking LPC for higher minimum wage' (02/09/2013)

Equality

• Govt-picked panel unpicks equality duty (19/09/2013)

New publications Reconstruction after the crisis: a manifesto for collective bargaining By Professor Keith Ewing and John Hendy QC This publication presents an evidence-based policy proposal for the state encouragement of collective bargaining, and particularly sectoral bargaining, as a tried-and-tested means of reducing income inequality and stimulating the sustainable recovery of a strong and resilient economy. Labour Law Highlights 1013 By Rebecca Tuck, Betsan Criddle & Stuart Brittenden SPECIAL OFFER – 4 for the price of 1! Buy Labour Law Highlights 2013 and get Labour Law Highlights 2012, 2011, and 2010 for free! Already got past copies of Labour Law Highlights? You can still buy this year’s copy on its own for the usual price of £8.

Forthcoming events

Our autumn events are our most popular and are already selling out, so make sure you book in early!

Employment Law Update 2013

Wednesday 09 October 2013
A one-day conference
Conference Chamber, 9th Floor, UNISON, Euston Road

Wednesday 06 November 2013
A one-day conference
The Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool

Tupe Update: The New Regulations

Wednesday 23 October 2013
A one-day conference
UNISON, Euston Road, London

Labour Migration in Hard Times

Wednesday 20 November 2013
A one-day conference
Diskus Room, Unite Building, Theobalds Road, London