7.4 Political & Legal change (Analysing external position) Flashcards
The legal environment: Law
The law is a framework of rules governing the way out society operated.
3 elements of law
Competition law
Employment of labour
Environmental issues
Competition law
Intended to protect businesses and consumers from effects of anti-competitive practices.
Fair practices and fair competition bring benefits.
Cartel activity
2 or more businesses work together to limit extent of competition that happens in a market.
(anti competitive practice)
Negative outcome of Cartels
Customers disadvantaged mainly through higher prices.
Economy damaged through lack of competitiveness.
Abuse of a dominant market position
European court defined as a ‘position of economic strength that enables it to prevent effective competition being maintained ultimately to the disadvantage of its customers.’
Abuse of dominant market position takes the following forms:
1- imposing unfair prices & trading conditions.
2- Limiting production to prejudice of customers i.e forcing prices up.
3- imposing unfair & inconsistent terms on different trading partners.
Mergers and takeovers
These have the potential to provide businesses with high degree of market power- they create larger enterprises.
Can also lead to reduction of competition within a market.
To prevent Mergers and Takeovers
All potential mergers and takeovers are subject to scrutiny from “Monopolies and Mergers commission”
3 Key competition laws
Competition Act 1998
Enterprise Act 2002
Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013
“Act”
Written in the UK
“Regulations”
Written in the EU
Competition Act 1998
prohibits cartels and abuse of dominant market position, penalties for breaching this act (breaking law) can be a fine of up to 10% of their global revenue.
Enterprise Act 2002
Upgrade of Competitions Act, strengthens position of authorities to impose the law.
Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013
Wide ranging and allows financial support for environmentally friendly practices.
Labour market laws are divided into 2 categories:
1) Those related to individuals employees
2) Those that apply collectively or to groups
5 Individual labour laws
Working time regulations 1998 (EU)
National minimum wage act 1998 (UK)
Employment equality (age) regulations 2006 (EU)
Equalities Act 2010 (UK)
Enterprise and regulatory reform act 2013
Working time regulations 1998
Sets a limit on hours employees can be required to work each week up to 48 hours.
Employees are entitled to 4 weeks paid annual leave.
National minimum wage act 1998
Employers must pay a set minimum wage depending on employees age.