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New Publication
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
New on the Coalition Timeline
Other
- MPs vote for ISIS airstrikes (29/9/2014)
Economy
- Osbourne pledges benefit freezes (26/9/2014)
Public Sector
- Legal aid reforms process was illegal (3/10/2014)
Whose recovery is it?
By Rae Delanie Passfield
Income inequality in the UK is one of the worst in the developed world. With the five richest families holding more wealth than the bottom 20 per cent of the entire population, it is unsurprising people are so frustrated with the system. The IER and Class have published a report that discusses this disparity and how trade unions can offer vital empowerment for those battling against it. It highlights how inadequate work, low pay and the rising cost of living is trapping working people into poverty and compromising any chance of a balanced economic revival.
Read more…
Government acted illegally in legal aid cuts, rules High Court
The high court has ruled that the government acted illegally in the consultation process carried out before the cuts. The Ministry of Justice had denied those involved in the consultation process access to reports by accountants KPMG and Otterburn. These reports were the basis for the decision of how many contracts for criminal advisory work would be available to solicitors firms.
Read More…
National Minimum Wage restored to 2005 level
The National Minimum Wage has risen from £6.31 to £6.50. While in real-terms (measured against CPI inflation) this was the first rise in six years, the NMW remains 4.2% below its peak in October 2008, and is roughly equivalent to what it was in 2005. If the NMW had continued to rise at its pre-crisis rate, it would now be £8.50. Research by the Resolution Foundation has shown an increase in the NMW affects more people than it used to, with the number of workers on NMW having doubled since its introduction; in 1999 the figure stood at 600,000, whereas today it is 1.2 million.
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Cameron threatens human rights
As expected, David Cameron pledged to scrap the Human Rights Act in his speech to Conservative party conference. On human rights he said, “Let me put this very clearly: we do not require instruction on this from judges in Strasbourg. So at long last, with a Conservative government after the next election, this country will have a new British Bill of Rights, to be passed in our parliament, rooted in our values. And as for Labour’s Human Rights Act? We will scrap it, once and for all.”Watch this space, as an in-depth report detailing the implications of withdrawing from the European Convention of Human Rights is soon to be released by the IER.
Read More…
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 Richard Arthur
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.
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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!
The latest draw winners are:
Mandy Berger, UNISON
David Hope, GMB
Fred Brown, NASUWT/BELFAST
Equality and Human Right Commission calls for evidence on religion or belief issues
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched a major call for evidence from individuals and organisations about how their religion or belief, or that of other people, may have affected their experiences in the workplace and in using the services and facilities they need in everyday life. The Commission wants to gather as much information as possible from members of the public, employers, providers of services, legal advisors and religion or belief organisations. So if you have a relevant experience to share, you are urged to respond. To do this, or to find out more, go to the Commission’s website at:
www.equalityhumanrights.com/religion
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.
IER Manifesto for Collective Bargaining
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