employee/employer relationships

• What is the foundation of employer/employee relationships in the UK?

  The contract of employment
• How do trade unions influence employer/employee relationships?

  They act in the interests of employees
• What type of relationship has been established between employers and employees in recent times?

  A partnership type of relationship
• What is one duty of employers under health and safety legislation?


  To ensure the well-being and safety of their employees
• What must employers provide to employees within 12 weeks of starting employment?

  A written contract of employment
• What does the written contract of employment include?

  Levels of pay, holiday entitlement, pension rights, disciplinary procedures, and length of notice period
• After how many years of service does protection against unfair dismissal come into effect?

  Two years of service
• What is the maximum number of hours in a working week established by European legislation?

  48 hours
• What is illegal under UK law regarding discrimination?

  Discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, age, or disability
• What was the initial hourly rate of the National Minimum Wage when it was introduced in April 1999?


  £3.60 per hour
• What was the main (adult) rate for workers aged 21 and over in October 2015?


  £6.70 per hour
• What was the development rate for workers aged 18–20 inclusive in October 2015?


  £5.30 per hour
• What was the rate for under 18 year olds in October 2015?


  £3.87 per hour
• What was the impact of the minimum wage on the national wage bill?

  It added around 0.5% to the national wage bill
• What did the first large-scale research by Income Data Services conclude about the minimum wage?

  It had not caused job losses or upset industry pay structures
• What percentage of the workforce was in occupations that paid below the minimum wage?

  7–8%
• Which groups of workers benefited the most from the minimum wage?

  Younger workers in low-paid industries
• What has been the trend in employment levels in low-paying sectors since the introduction of the minimum wage?

  Employment levels have grown strongly
• What has been the impact of the recession on minimum wage workers?

  They did not see any greater increase in unemployment levels
• What is one argument against the minimum wage regarding foreign investment?

  It has made the UK less attractive to inward investment
• How have small businesses been affected by the minimum wage?

  They have been most affected, especially those that are labour intensive
• What is the role of the Equality Act 2010?


  To legally protect people from discrimination in the workplace and wider society
• What are the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010?

  Age, disability, race, sex, sexual orientation, and others
• What constitutes direct discrimination?

  Treating someone with a protected characteristic less favourably than others
• What is indirect discrimination?

  Putting rules in place that disadvantage someone with a protected characteristic
• What is harassment in the context of discrimination?

  Unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates dignity
• What is victimisation in the workplace?

  Treating someone unfairly because they complained about discrimination
• What workplace issues does the law protect against discrimination?

  Dismissal, pay and benefits, promotion, and recruitment
• What was the first equal opportunities legislation passed?

  In the 1970s
• What is the purpose of trade unions?

  To protect and improve members’ terms and conditions of employment
• What is collective bargaining?

  Negotiation between employers and a representative of a large section of workers
• Who finances and runs trade unions?

  Their members
• What role does the Trades Union Congress (TUC) play?

  It represents most of the major unions in national negotiations
• Why do people join unions?

  For representation, negotiation of pay, and ensuring health and safety standards
• How do trade unions assist employers?

  They simplify the negotiation process and ensure compliance with agreements
• What are some common reasons for industrial disputes?

  Disputes over wages, hours, conditions of work, and health and safety issues
• What is the role of a shop steward in industrial disputes?

  To negotiate with management on behalf of workers
• What strategies might a trade union use before calling a strike?

  Negotiation and consultation with management
• What is an overtime ban in industrial action?

  Workers refuse to do any extra work beyond basic hours
• What is a work-to-rule in industrial action?

  Workers strictly adhere to all workplace rules, slowing down production