Carr review into industrial disputes collapses
By Tony Burke, Assistant General Secretary, UNITE
The review of rules governing industrial disputes, lead by Bruce Carr Q.C. collapsed in August when he notified the Government that: “I am concerned about the ability of the review to operate in a progressively politicised environment in the run-up to the general election and in circumstances in which the main parties will wish to legitimately set out their respective manifesto commitments and have already started to do so”.
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Economic justice is a prerequisite to social wellbeing
By Professor Keith Ewing and John Hendy QC
Workers are now worse off to the tune of £1,600 annually than they were at the time of the last election. Pay freezes and below-inflation wage rises have led to this fall in real wages, the low-paid being punished with cuts to benefits. The deterioration of pay and conditions for workers are of course a symptom of the great cruelty at the heart of modern society. This is the cruelty of rising inequality, all the more cruel because it is deliberate and avoidable.
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Tribunal orders council to pay £65k in compensation
Bromley council has been ordered to pay over £64,000 in compensation after offering employees cash incentives to give up employment rights. The employees were offered a wage rise and a one-off payment to sign new contracts which would have taken them out of their existing collective bargaining agreements. The new contracts would have enabled pay to be set by the council, rather than by national or regional agreements, negotiated by unions. The case was taken to tribunal by 18 UNISON members.
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New Publications
By Zoe Adams and Simon Deakin
ZHCs are highly profitable for employers, but lead to insecurity of income and low pay for workers. The authors point to rigidities in employment law and the operation of the tax-benefit system as being responsible for the rise in zero hours contracting. Order your copy here
By Dr Lydia Hayes and Professor Tonia Novitz
What is the point of trade unions? What do they deliver? Are trade unions relevant in 21st century modern society? These and many other questions are answered by the authors of this timely and well presented report. Order your copy here
Other Publications
Edited by Bernard Ryan
A collection of papers by the UK’s leading experts on labour migration on the exploitation of migrant workers and the need for labour law reform.
New on the Coalition Timeline
Increasing vulnerability in the workplace
- Consultation launched on exclusivity ban
Trade union freedoms
Welfare
- 300 will be hit by five-week wait
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IER Fringe Event at TUC Congress, Sunday, 7th September
Liverpool Media Academy, 85-89 Duke Street, L1 5AP
Keith Ewing, John Hendy QC, Sally Hunt and Len McClusky will be discussing: “What do we want to see from the next Labour Government?”
Help us to celebrate 25 years of the Institute
Donations are coming in daily to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Institute. If you make a donation, don’t forget to send us a supporting statement about why you support the institute. So, whether you’re an individual or a branch, whether it’s £25 or £250, join in and you’ll be included in out monthly draw to win a free place at an IER event!
IER Manifesto for Collective Bargaining
Forthcoming Events
Employment Law Update 2014, Unite the Union, London
Tuesday 7 October 2014
This 10th annual IER conference is designed to ensure trade union representatives are kept up to date and well-informed about developments in employment law. It is a must go to event for anyone with an interest in employment law and the protection of collective and individual workers’ rights.
Employment Law Update 2014, Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool
Wednesday 22 October 2014
This 7th annual IER conference in the North West is designed to ensure trade union representatives are kept up to date and well-informed about developments in employment law. It is a must go to event for anyone with an interest in employment law and the protection of collective and individual workers’ rights.
Equality and Discrimination: What Next For Equal Rights? , Unite the Union, London
Wednesday 19 November 2014
Four years after the introduction of the Equality Act and where are we now? Leading equality experts from the law, trade unions and academia will come together to critically assess the latest case law, precedents and evidence and anticipate where they will lead us in terms of ensuring fairness at work for all.
TUPE Update: the new Regulations, Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool
Wednesday 3rd December 2014
The government published new TUPE Regulations in November 2013, revealing service provision rules will not be repealed, but several changes will be made that could hinder trade union activity. There are many uncertainties about the new regulations and the conference will aim to provide answers to many questions plus any additional questions from delegates on the day.
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