The “New Realism” in British Industrial Relations?

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Abstract
A historical review of British industrial relations, with close attention paid to more recent legislation, highlights the fact that, though the prospects for renewed growth in union membership are bleak, the experience of severe recession has focused the attention of union representatives and managers alike on the survival of the business unit in which they themselves are employed. The current trend in favour of decentralised bargaining arrangements in several major industries will reinforce this growing “enterprise consciousness”. However, real and lasting change in the climate of employer‐employee relations in British industry can only occur if employers are prepared to act; commitment to change will only be achieved through employee involvement in decision making, with the focus for such involvement being the workplace, not the boardroom.

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