Employee, employer relationships Flashcards
Define employee - employer relationships
The defining features of how employers and employees interact with each other on a day to day basis
What is employee representation
The systems put in place to aid communication between employers and employees
What are the two methods of employee representation
Trade unions and work councils
What is a contract of employment
A legally binding agreement that lays out the terms and conditions of work including rights, responsibilities and duties, protects both parties and includes basic info, rate of pay, holiday entitlement, disciplinary procedures, grievance procedures and notice required for termination
Describe the health and safety at work act
A firm must provide a safe working environment with free safety equipment and clothing, there must be a health and safety policy and union reps allowed to inspect the workplace
What is dismissal
When an employees contract is terminated due to a breach of the terms of that contract by the employee such as incompetence or disciplinary manner (theft or behaviour)
What is unfair dismissal
When an employees contract is terminated but the reason is seen as unfair in the eyes of the law
What is redundancy
A from of dismissal when an employees contract of employment is terminated because the job no longer exists
What change in business needs can result in redundancy
Closure, restructuring, relocation, new tech and rationalisation
What is the equal opportunities statement
All employees should be treated fairly in relation to recruitment, selection, employment terms and conditions, promotional opportunities and dismissal. There should be no artificial prejudices or preferences. Equal opportunities are governed by equality and anti - discrimination legislations
What is the equal pay act 1970
It is unlawful to discriminate between men and women in terms of pay and working conditions
What is the sex discrimination act of 1975
It is unlawful to discriminate because of a persons gender or marital status
What is the disabilities discrimination act of 1995
It is unlawful to discriminate because of a persons disability. Reasonable adjustments should be made to accommodate disabled people in the workplace
What is the age discrimination act of 2006
It is unlawful to discriminate because of a persons age
What is the race relations act of 1976
It is unlawful to discriminate because of race, colour, nationality, ethnicity or religious beliefs
How do the equal opportunities laws impact on employers and employees
Increased costs may arise, advertising of jobs needs to target all of society, the best person should be selected, motivated workforce and legal action if legislation is not complied with
What are trade unions
National organisations with a purpose with to protect members and improve their economic and working conditions
What are the key objectives of trade unions
Securing jobs, maximising pay, ensuring safe and acceptable conditions and fair treatment of members by employers
What is the partnership approach
Unions should be seen to be working with the employers to achieve industrial democracy
What do unions achieve
Enhance business performance, improve competitiveness, implement change, lower labour turnover and increase motivation
What is a trade dispute
When there is a disagreement between the employer and the employee or employee rep
What is industrial action
When the employees take sanctions to try and impose pressure on the employer, these methods include work to rule, demonstration, lobbying and strikes
What are the advantages of employee representation
Allows for two way communication, reduces feeling of them and us, employees are kept informed, improved motivation and less risk of trade disputes
What are the disadvantages of employee representation
Opportunity cost of time, conflict due to different agendas, slows decision making
How are disputes avoided
Early involvement of representatives and clear communication
What is ACAS
An independent body that can be called in to help avoid (or resolve) disputes by helping both parties work together
What are the services of ACAS
Advisory, conciliation, arbitration and services
How are disputes resolved
Open and honest communication, explore all avenues, utilise the services of ACAS: Conciliation and arbitration
What is arbitration
If both parties agree the solution presented by ACAS is accepted
What is conciliation
Facilitates debates
Why is effective communication with employees important
Co-ordinates, motivates, clarifies roles, eases change, enables feedback, facilitates decision making, keeps everyone informed and provides focus
