Employee, employer relationships

Question 1

Define employee - employer relationships

Answer 1

The defining features of how employers and employees interact with each other on a day to day basis

Question 2

What is employee representation

Answer 2

The systems put in place to aid communication between employers and employees

Question 3

What are the two methods of employee representation

Answer 3

Trade unions and work councils

Question 4

What is a contract of employment

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Describe the health and safety at work act

Answer 5

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

Question 6

What is dismissal

Answer 6

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)

Question 7

What is unfair dismissal

Answer 7

When an employees contract is terminated but the reason is seen as unfair in the eyes of the law

Question 8

What is redundancy

Answer 8

A from of dismissal when an employees contract of employment is terminated because the job no longer exists

Question 9

What change in business needs can result in redundancy

Answer 9

Closure, restructuring, relocation, new tech and rationalisation

Question 10

What is the equal opportunities statement

Answer 10

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

Question 11

What is the equal pay act 1970

Answer 11

It is unlawful to discriminate between men and women in terms of pay and working conditions

Question 12

What is the sex discrimination act of 1975

Answer 12

It is unlawful to discriminate because of a persons gender or marital status

Question 13

What is the disabilities discrimination act of 1995

Answer 13

It is unlawful to discriminate because of a persons disability. Reasonable adjustments should be made to accommodate disabled people in the workplace

Question 14

What is the age discrimination act of 2006

Answer 14

It is unlawful to discriminate because of a persons age

Question 15

What is the race relations act of 1976

Answer 15

It is unlawful to discriminate because of race, colour, nationality, ethnicity or religious beliefs

Question 16

How do the equal opportunities laws impact on employers and employees

Answer 16

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

Question 17

What are trade unions

Answer 17

National organisations with a purpose with to protect members and improve their economic and working conditions

Question 18

What are the key objectives of trade unions

Answer 18

Securing jobs, maximising pay, ensuring safe and acceptable conditions and fair treatment of members by employers

Question 19

What is the partnership approach

Answer 19

Unions should be seen to be working with the employers to achieve industrial democracy

Question 20

What do unions achieve

Answer 20

Enhance business performance, improve competitiveness, implement change, lower labour turnover and increase motivation

Question 21

What is a trade dispute

Answer 21

When there is a disagreement between the employer and the employee or employee rep

Question 22

What is industrial action

Answer 22

When the employees take sanctions to try and impose pressure on the employer, these methods include work to rule, demonstration, lobbying and strikes

Question 23

What are the advantages of employee representation

Answer 23

Allows for two way communication, reduces feeling of them and us, employees are kept informed, improved motivation and less risk of trade disputes

Question 24

What are the disadvantages of employee representation

Answer 24

Opportunity cost of time, conflict due to different agendas, slows decision making

Question 25

How are disputes avoided

Answer 25

Early involvement of representatives and clear communication

Question 26

What is ACAS

Answer 26

An independent body that can be called in to help avoid (or resolve) disputes by helping both parties work together

Question 27

What are the services of ACAS

Answer 27

Advisory, conciliation, arbitration and services

Question 28

How are disputes resolved

Answer 28

Open and honest communication, explore all avenues, utilise the services of ACAS: Conciliation and arbitration

Question 29

What is arbitration

Answer 29

If both parties agree the solution presented by ACAS is accepted

Question 30

What is conciliation

Answer 30

Facilitates debates

Question 31

Why is effective communication with employees important

Answer 31

Co-ordinates, motivates, clarifies roles, eases change, enables feedback, facilitates decision making, keeps everyone informed and provides focus